Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) study- receive Microbiota Report and $100 — $100 & Microbiota Report

This study is investigating the balance of good and bad bacteria (the microbiome) in the intestines of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers and in healthy people. IBS is a chronic, debilitating, functional gastrointestinal disorder and is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort in association with alteration in either stool form or frequency. These symptoms can lead to a significant reduction in quality of life particularly in the more severely affected.

This study aims to stratify data collected from one stool, urine and blood sample. There will be one group of IBS participants and another group of healthy participants. Both groups will complete similar study activities. Participants will attend a maximum of two visits to our clinic. However the study can be completed in one visit if the participant can provide the samples. The study activities take no longer that 70 minutes in total. At visit one, participants will complete several questionnaires, relating to mood, lifestyle, and diet. The IBS group will also complete, two additional questionnaires related to IBS. In addition, our physician assistant will complete a basic physical exam. If unable to provide a stool sample at visit one, participants will be provided with a stool sample kit and asked to return with it.

This study compensates $100 for completion of the study. There will also be a microbiota (good and bad bacteria found in samples) report, relative to lifestyle habits, which would prove very beneficial to IBS sufferers. Lastly, a basic physical exam performed by our physician assistant.