British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005)Oct 24, 2025

How Gut Bacteria Are Linked to Constipation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 2, 2026

Abstract

IBS-C patients often exhibit dysbiosis, characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased inflammatory microbes.

Dysbiosis in IBS-C is associated with reduced production of short-chain fatty acids.
Altered gut microbiota may impair gut motility and serotonin signaling, affecting bowel function.
Increased intestinal permeability and inflammation are linked to worsened pain and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Changes in gut motility and serotonin metabolism contribute to the overall symptoms of IBS-C.
Inconsistencies in existing research emphasize the need for standardized methods in future studies.

Simplified

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Emerging research highlights the role of colonic microbiota in its pathophysiology, with IBS-C patients often exhibiting dysbiosis marked by reduced beneficial bacteria (,) and increased inflammatory microbes (Enterobacteriaceae,). Dysbiosis in IBS-C leads to reduced short-chain fatty acid production, impaired gut motility, and altered serotonin signalling, affecting peristalsis and sensitivity. It also increases intestinal permeability, inflammation, and gut-brain axis interactions, worsening pain and gastrointestinal dysfunction. These alterations impact gut motility, serotonin metabolism, and gut-brain axis signalling, contributing to IBS-C symptoms. Despite growing evidence, inconsistencies in study findings highlight the need for standardised research methods. Future studies should focus on long-term microbiota dynamics, targeted therapies, and personalised treatment strategies to improve symptom management and clinical outcomes. This review systematically summarises the changes in gut microbiota connected to IBS-C and provides a reference for future personalised treatment strategies. Bifidobacterium Lactobacillus Escherichia coli

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

View Full Text ↗

How Gut Bacteria Are Linked to Constipation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Full Text

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the gut-brain axis brief

Abstract

Full Text

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the gut-brain axis brief