Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects women more often than men, causes cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. This condition, also called IBS, occurs in those with a sensitive colon. The muscles of the colon spasm in reaction to common occurrences, including eating, gas and medications, although physicians do not understand exactly why IBS happens. The best vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome relieve symptoms of the condition and promote colon health.
Melatonin
Melatonin may be one of the best vitamins to take if you have IBS, according to Life Extension. Melatonin helps regulate the gastrointestinal system, and some scientific evidence exists to suggest its usefulness in easing the symptoms of IBS. It can decrease the amount of abdominal pain IBS sufferers experience; however, melatonin will not stop bloating or constipation. MayoClinic.com notes that more scientific studies are need to definitively prove this vitamin's effectiveness in treating IBS.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract, which comes in capsules, tablets and liquid form, is another vitamin that works best to treat IBS. CFS Nutrition refers to grapefruit seed extract as an antimicrobial vitamin, which may help to kill unhealthy microorganism in the gut that can contribute to IBS symptoms. Sutter Health reports that this vitamin may improve constipation, flatulence and abdominal discomfort in IBS sufferers, although not enough scientific evidence exists to prove its effectiveness.
Lactase Enzyme
Taking lactase enzyme vitamins may help ease IBS symptoms, and it is one of the best vitamins for IBS sufferers to take. The American College of Gastroenterology reports that 40 percent of IBS patients have symptoms made worse by lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by trouble digesting the sugars, or lactose, in milk and other dairy products. Taking lactase enzyme vitamins helps with the digestions of lactose, which can prevent symptoms associated with IBS, including diarrhea, bloating, constipation and flatulence.
