Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 on Gut Health and Bowel Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Objective
This study evaluated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (RH3201) on bowel function and gut microbiota composition in individuals with functional constipation tendencies, aiming to explore its probiotic potential for digestive health.
Method
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 adults meeting the Rome IV criteria for constipation-predominant symptoms received either RH3201 (1×10¹⁰ CFU/day) or placebo over 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in bowel movement frequency and abdominal discomfort. Secondary outcomes included improvements in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), fecal microbial composition, and untargeted fecal metabolomic profiles.
Results
Participants in the RH3201 group showed significantly increased bowel movement frequency and greater satisfaction with bowel habits, alongside reduced severity and frequency of abdominal bloating. Gut microbiome analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of beneficial taxa, such as Bacteroides cellulosilyticus and Akkermansia muciniphila, during RH3201 supplementation. Metabolomic analysis identified elevated levels of N-acetylornithine, xanthine, and 3-phenylpropionic acid, which were positively associated with symptomatic relief.
Conclusion
Eight-week supplementation with RH3201 enhanced bowel function and improved gut comfort, potentially through modulation of beneficial intestinal microbes and their bioactive metabolites. These findings provide scientific support for the functional application of RH3201 as a next-generation probiotic ingredient in gut health-targeted functional foods and supplements.
Clinical Trial Details - Approved by Seoul Songdo Hospital IRB (2022-003) and registered at CRIS (KCT0009026).