You have questions about how to get relief from the bloating and gas caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. We have answers.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer.

How many Canadians suffer with IBS?

About 6 million Canadians have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.

What causes IBS?

Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS.

How is IBS diagnosed?

IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.

No specific test for IBS exists, although diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other problems. These tests may include stool sample testing, blood tests, and x rays. Typically, a doctor will perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to look inside the colon by inserting a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end of it through the anus. The camera then transfers the images of the colon onto a large screen for the doctor to see.

If test results are negative, the doctor may diagnose IBS based on symptoms, including how often a person has had abdominal pain or discomfort during the past year, when the pain starts and stops in relation to bowel function, and how bowel frequency and stool consistency have changed. Many doctors refer to a list of specific symptoms that must be present to make a diagnosis of IBS.

Is IBS linked to other health problems?

As its name indicates, IBS is a syndrome—a combination of signs and symptoms. IBS has not been shown to lead to a serious disease, including cancer. Through the years, IBS has been called by many names, among them spastic colon or spastic bowel. However, no link has been established between IBS and other gastrointestinal diseases.

How long does it take to feel the effects of taking TuZen?

Normally you should notice some improvement, including relief for bloating and gas and reduced diarrhea or constipation, within seven days. For some people the symptoms of IBS can get slightly worse before they get better. If this happens to you, please continue to take TuZen. After about six weeks, your symptoms of IBS should be much better. Results vary because everyone’s intestinal tract is different.

Why is TuZen different than other treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Other IBS treatments, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter products and yogurts with probiotics, treat only one IBS symptom. Three different clinical studies have confirmed that TuZen helps provide relief for the symptoms of IBS. Additional research has demonstrated the following actions of TuZen:

• Increases the population of “good” bacteria (Lp229v)
• Increases the concentration of carboxylic acids, an important energy source for the cells of the intestinal mucosa
• Inhibits the adhesion of a “bad” bacteria (Enterobacteria) on the intestinal mucosa
• Inhibits the growth of potential pathogenic agents (antibacterial activity)

Additional relief may also be a result of TuZen’s proven action as an anti-inflammatory.

How does the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v used in TuZen differ from other types (strains) of Lactobacillus plantarum?

No two strains are the same. Studies comparing different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum have shown that Lp299v has a unique set of characteristics that is well suited to the treatment of intestinal disorders such as IBS. Lp299v was isolated from the human gut and has been clinically proven to resist bile and gastric acids, colonize the intestinal tract and have anti-microbial effects against several potentially pathogenic (harmful) types of bacteria. Moreover, Lp299v is the only strain of lactobacillus plantarum that has been studied in patients with IBS and is clinically proven to eliminate or reduce 95% of the symptoms associated with IBS.

What should be the dosage for patients with moderate to severe IBS?

Two capsules a day for four weeks. Thereafter, most patients will be able to cut back the daily dosage to one capsule, but some individuals may need to continue taking two capsules per day.

Is there a maintenance dose for TuZen?

After eight weeks of therapy for the symptoms of IBS, most patients will be able to cut back to one capsule per day.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are minimal. Some patients may experience some bloating during the first days of treatment. This should resolve after one week.

Can TuZen be taken with antibiotics?

TuZen may be taken safely in combination with antibiotics. However, since the effects of TuZen may be reduced by some antibiotics, it should not be taken at the same time as antibiotics.

Does TuZen contain lactose or gluten?

No. TuZen contains no artificial preservatives, flavour, salt or gluten (wheat). It does contain traces of soy product.

Is it OK to store TuZen in the fridge?

TuZen is stable at room temperature (15 - 25°) in a dry place. Refrigeration is required if room temperature cannot be maintained (e.g. in the warmer weather). TuZen stored at room temperature or in the fridge is stable until the labeled expiry date.

Can TuZen be frozen or stored in the freezer?

TuZen is stable at room temperature (15 - 25°) in a dry place. TuZen is stable if frozen but should be returned to the recommended storage conditions as soon as possible. TuZen would still be stable until the labeled expiry date.

Can children take TuZen?

TuZen is not recommended for use in children. Lp299v has been used safely in several studies with children as young as 6 – 11 months of age. Consult your doctor before making a purchase.

Can women who are pregnant or breastfeeding take TuZen?

TuZen is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. At present, there are no studies on Lp299v for this patient group.

Where is TuZen manufactured?

It is manufactured in Montreal by Institut Rosell.

Where can I buy TuZen?

TuZen is widely available in pharmacies and health food stores across Canada. Because it is a probiotic, a prescription is not necessary. If you have trouble getting TuZen from your local pharmacy, please call our TuZen Information Line (1 800 263 4057) or email us at medicalinformation@tuzen.ca