Irritable bowel syndrome – what helps? Stiftung Warentest recommends this means

Over-the-counter drugs
Warentest examines agents against irritable bowel syndrome – these preparations help

Millions of people have irritable bowel problems. The nature of the discomfort and the intensity of the symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

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Over-the-counter remedies are said to relieve irritable bowel symptoms. Stiftung Warentest took a close look at 19 such preparations. Which ones have been proven to be effective? And which ones can you save the money for?

Flatulence, diarrhea, constipation and even violent abdominal cramps: it is estimated that one in ten people suffer from irritable bowel symptoms. Before doctors make the diagnosis, they first rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms: food intolerance is one of them, but also inflammatory bowel disease.

Why some people develop irritable bowel syndrome while others are spared the symptoms is not yet fully understood. The symptoms, but also their intensity, can fundamentally differ greatly from person to person. Therapy consists of different approaches, including nutrition and psychological help. There are also all kinds of over-the-counter remedies for annoying irritable bowel symptoms. Some are specifically aimed at individual complaints, such as diarrhea. Others are said to help overall with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel remedies: 13 of 19 remedies according to the Stiftung Warentest “unsuitable”

In the current issue, Stiftung Warentest rated 19 such “all-rounders” and, above all, checked how well the effectiveness of the funds has been proven. Not all over-the-counter helpers come off well in the check: The product test rated 13 average as “unsuitable” for irritable bowel symptoms. Among the “unsuitable” remedies are well-known preparations such as the stomach remedy “Iberogast” (11.30 euros / 20ml). In the opinion of the examiners, the means, like other combination means, is not put together in a meaningful way.


Over-the-counter medication: Warentest examines agents against irritable bowel syndrome - these preparations help

Agents with probiotics – i.e. living bacteria – also do not do well in the current check due to a lack of proof of effectiveness. Basically, the preparations are “worth trying individually,” writes Warentest. According to the examiners, the mechanism behind this is at least plausible: “Bacteria seem to play a role in irritable bowel syndrome.” Harmful germs could have gained the upper hand in the digestive tract of those affected, for example after an intestinal infection.

Six remedies “suitable with restrictions”

Six remedies do better in the current check. In the opinion of the auditors, they have sufficient evidence of effectiveness that justifies a more positive assessment (“suitable with restrictions”). The better rated products include four agents based on peppermint oil (eg “Klosterfrau irritable bowel”, EUR 8.65 / 40 pieces), one agent with butylscopomaline (“Buscopan dragees”, EUR 10.50 / 20 pieces) and one agent with a heat-inactivated bifido bacterial strain (“Kijimea Reizdarm Pro”, 17.30 euros / 14 pieces).

Peppermint oil has an antispasmodic effect on the intestinal muscles, as does butylscopomaline, write the testers. The testers also see proof of effectiveness for the inactivated bifido bacteria. “The inactivated bacteria contained in it probably work by attaching themselves to damaged areas of the intestinal wall,” said Warentest. In principle, however, the auditors still see room for improvement in terms of evidence of effectiveness, especially on long-term effects, even with the better-rated agents. Hence the restriction in the evaluation.

In addition to the “all-rounders” currently being tested, there are also irritable bowel remedies that target individual complaints such as diarrhea or flatulence. Warentest rated many of them as suitable. There is more information in the drug database of Warentest (available for a fee).

As a general rule, if symptoms appear for the first time, worsen or persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted. Pharmacists or doctors also provide information on possible intolerance or side effects of individual drugs. Advice is important, especially if drugs or medication are being taken for the first time. Further important information on these points can also be found on the package insert.

You can read the full test here for a fee.

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