Q: My father has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). He has been prescribed Bifilac (Probiotic) along with other medications. Will a Probiotic be useful in treating IBS? What is its mechanism of action?

A:Bifilac is the trade name. It contains bacteria that produce B-complex vitamins. It has no role in IBS and is being aggressively promoted for all sorts of sundry conditions right from skin inflammation to mouth ulcers to vaginal disorders to post-surgical period. There is no evidence of its efficacy and safety in IBS.