CompletedInterventional

Impact of Symprove in irritable bowel syndrome

This study aims to discover if a water-based food supplement called Symprove can help people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common condition causing symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Many people with IBS also experience mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Pasta studies suggest Symprove can improve IBS symptoms. This new study wants to go a step further by also looking at its effect on mental health. Participants will take Symprove daily for 12 weeks and complete online surveys about their gut symptoms and mental well-being. This will help researchers understand if Symprove can offer a dual benefit for those with IBS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Symprove Ltd

Enrolment target

150

Start

29 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

What is this study about?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that affects how your digestive system works. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as tummy pain, bloating, gas, and changes in your bowel habits, like experiencing diarrhoea, constipation, or both. It’s also well-known that there can be a connection between IBS and mental health, with many people experiencing anxiety or feeling down.

Some people find that probiotics and other food supplements can help ease their IBS symptoms. Symprove is a water-based food supplement that contains four different types of 'good' bacteria. The idea is that these bacteria can help support the healthy bacteria already living in your gut. Symprove is already available to buy and has shown promise in improving IBS symptoms in previous research.

However, past studies haven't specifically looked at whether Symprove can also help with mental health issues alongside gut symptoms. This particular study, often called a 'pilot study', aims to explore both these areas. It will help us understand if Symprove could offer a broader benefit for people with IBS, by seeing if it impacts not only digestive comfort but also feelings of well-being.

Key takeaways

This study explores how Symprove affects IBS symptoms and mental health.
It's an online study, so no clinic visits are needed.
Participants will take Symprove daily for 12 weeks.
You'll complete surveys about your symptoms at different points.
The study aims to improve understanding of IBS management.
Mild temporary gut upset is a possible side effect for some.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 75 years old who live in the UK and have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), whether it's been diagnosed by a doctor or you've self-diagnosed based on your symptoms.

To join, you should be experiencing regular IBS symptoms like tummy pain, constipation, diarrhoea, or bloating. However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you're currently taking other probiotics or prebiotics, or if you've taken Symprove recently, you wouldn't be eligible.

You also won't be able to participate if you've recently taken antibiotics, or if you have certain other serious health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease, or significant heart, lung, or kidney issues. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're involved in another medical study where you're receiving treatment, you wouldn't be able to join this one either.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old and live in the UK?
Do you have IBS symptoms regularly?
Are you not currently taking other probiotics or prebiotics?
Have you not taken antibiotics in the last 4 weeks?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have other serious digestive or health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's a completely online experience – there will be no visits to a clinic or hospital. You'll first give your consent online to show you're happy to participate. Then, you'll receive a 12-week supply of Symprove, which you'll need to drink 70ml of once a day.

Before you start taking Symprove, you'll complete an online survey about your symptoms. You'll then complete the same type of survey again at week 4, week 8, and at the end of the 12 weeks. The study will compare your answers over time to see if Symprove has made a difference. The total duration of your active participation will be 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

While you might not personally feel better or see a direct health benefit from taking part, research like this is incredibly important. It helps us learn more about IBS and could lead to better ways of managing the condition for everyone in the future. A small number of people might experience mild tummy upsets, like bloating or changes in bowel habits, when they first start Symprove. These usually settle down within the first few weeks. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

People for Research
Unverified
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common gut condition that causes symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, gas, and changes in how often you go to the toilet.

What is Symprove?

Symprove is a water-based food supplement that contains beneficial bacteria, thought to help support the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

Do I need to visit a clinic or hospital for this study?

No, this is a completely online study, so you won't need to attend any appointments in person.

How long does the study last if I take part?

If you participate, you will take Symprove and complete surveys for a total of 12 weeks.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run and funded by Symprove Ltd in the UK.

How to find out more

Lauren Hayman

support@peopleforresearch.co.uk +44 (0)117 9210008 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.