Symbioflor 2 Drops
A medicine containing E. coli bacteria (DSM 17252) for adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
In short: An over-the-counter medicine (approved in Germany and elsewhere) for adults with IBS. A placebo-controlled trial with 298 patients showed more patients free of symptoms than on placebo. In 2017, the European Medicines Agency judged that the data are not robust enough to say how well it works, or whether it works in particular types of IBS.
Symbioflor 2 is a medicine, and we have not been able to confirm that it is approved in Denmark. That is why we do not link to a shop.
Research
What the research shows
The studies most often mentioned in connection with Symbioflor 2 Drops, and what they actually studied. Notice whether the study tested this exact product.
Randomized controlled treatment trial of irritable bowel syndrome with a probiotic E.-coli preparation (DSM17252) compared to placebo
Enck P, Zimmermann K, Menke G, Klosterhalfen S. · Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie (2009)
Key finding: Double-blind trial with 298 adult IBS patients over 8 weeks: 18% were completely free of symptoms at one or more visits, against 5% on placebo (p < 0.001). For abdominal pain the figures were 19% against 7% (p = 0.002).
Probiotic E. coli treatment mediates antimicrobial human beta-defensin synthesis and fecal excretion in humans
Möndel M, Schroeder BO, Zimmermann K, et al. · Mucosal Immunology (2009)
Key finding: Open trial with 23 healthy people: the amount of beta-defensin-2 in the stool rose after 3 weeks.
Contents
Bacterial strains in Symbioflor 2 Drops
The strains as the manufacturer declares them. There are no approved health claims for probiotic strains in the EU, so we only say something about a strain where there is a source.
Escherichia coli DSM 17252 (several genotypes of one strain)
In healthy volunteers, the preparation increased the amount of the gut's own antimicrobial protein (hBD-2) in the stool. The clinical significance is unknown.
Protocol & Use
How to use Symbioflor 2 Drops
Dosage and storage as the manufacturer instructs. Symbioflor 2 Drops is live bacteria and must be kept in the fridge after opening.
- Product type
- Liquid drops (live suspension in a dropper bottle)
- Daily dose
- Build up gradually: start with 10 drops 3 times daily and increase to 20 drops 3 times daily.
- Best time
- Take with the main meals, diluted in a little water.
- Preparation
- No standing time, because the bacteria are already in an active, liquid state
Step-by-step guide to Symbioflor 2 Drops:
- Week 1: Take 10 drops of Symbioflor 2 in a little water 3 times daily with your main meals.
- Week 2 onwards: Increase the dose to 20 drops 3 times daily.
- Always shake the bottle gently before use. Hold the bottle upright when dispensing the drops.
- Always keep in the fridge (2-8°C) after opening and use within 4 weeks.
Important for Symbioflor 2 Drops: Symbioflor 2 must always be kept in the fridge after opening, as it is a live bacterial suspension with no preservatives at all.
Who is Symbioflor 2 Drops for?
- Adults with diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Good to know & precautions:
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms do not improve
- Must always be kept in the fridge (2-8°C) after opening
Diet & Microbiome
Recipes with fibre and fermented ingredients
Would you like more fibre and fermented food in your everyday life? Here are a few of my recipes: