The efficacy and safety of probiotics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence based on 35 randomized controlled trials.

Background & Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that may involve disturbance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of probiotics in patients with IBS.

Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to 1 April, 2019.