Efficacy Evaluation of a Commercial Preparation Containing Lactobacillus Casei DG on the Reduction of the Painful Symptoms Related to the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A Pilot Clinical Study

Inclusion Criteria: * out-Patients with diagnosis of Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) according to Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders * Previous colonoscopy (within 24 month prior the enrollment) with negative results * written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * systemic or topical therapy with steroids and glucocorticoids such as beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide, ongoing or within a month prior the enrollment * therapy with antibiotics or probiotics, ongoing or within a month prior the enrollment * inflammatory bowel diseases * copro-paraxitological examination with positive results * bowel disease with infectious, actinic, endocrine or drug-related origin * immunodeficiency * diagnosis of malignant cancer within 5 years prior the enrollment * renal, hepatic, hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric, immunological, gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders, if found to be clinically relevant * any severe disease that may interfere with the treatment; * abuse of alcohol, drugs or medication, psychotropic drugs * diagnosis of dementia or other disorders that can cause a progressive deterioration of capacity of discernment or mental and physical disability which reduces the ability to follow the prescribed therapy; * previous participation in this study * pregnant or nursing (lactating) women