A multi-strain probiotic has been identified by scientists and may offer relief to sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK experimented with a probiotic known as LAB4 and found the patients who took the supplement reported "significant benefits" in approximately two weeks, thestar.co.uk reports.

After four weeks, the benefits reported by the test subjects increased and included reduction in the severity and duration of abdominal pain, reduction in abdominal bloating and improved daily bowel movement.

"This trial is encouraging news for IBS sufferers. In a robust randomized controlled design we have demonstrated that the LAB4 multi-strain probiotic helps alleviate the symptoms associated with IBS," said Dr. Elizabeth Williams, lead researcher.

The trial involved 52 patients who were clinically diagnosed with IBS. This was the first clinical trial to test the LAB4 probiotic to see if it could help with digestive health. The results will be published in the Journal of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Symptoms of IBS are frequent diarrhea or constipation, as well as abdominal pain. Some sufferers have treated the condition by changing their diet to include or exclude specific foods. However, this depends entirely on the type of IBS one has.