Physiological Effects of Yogurt With Bb12 in Subjects With GI Symptoms Strointestinal Symptoms

Hypothesis:

* Daily consumption of yogurt containing probiotic bacteria (Bb12) and inulin will significantly decrease whole gut and intestinal segmental transit time
* The effect of accelerating intestinal transit will be associated with other GI physiology parameters including stool frequency and stool consistency.

In previous preliminary study we have shown that daily consumption of a probiotic yogurt drink containing probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12) and inulin significantly accelerate colonic transit time in non-patients population with functional bowel symptoms. In this study we investigate the physiologic effect(s) of yogurt with the same bacteria and inulin on gastrointestinal function by assessing its effect on the whole gut and segmental transit time using SmartPill™ - a recently introduced device of measuring intestinal transit time. The proposed study will provide additional information on the effect on the whole gut transit as well as on other segments of the GI tract (stomach and small bowel). Assessment of transit time in the proposed study will be done following 10 to 14 days of the probiotic yogurt consumption.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed informed consent.
2. 18 - 70 y/o.
3. Existing functional GI symptoms for at least two weeks.
4. No current prescription treatment of functional GI Symptoms. Over the counter (OTC) medications allowed if still symptomatic despite current OTC therapy.
5. Normal colonoscopy within the last 3 years if age \>50.
6. Normal initial screening evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (CBC, ESR, blood chemistry including BUN, electrolytes, serum creatinine, bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, amylase, lipase, TSH, and routine stool microbiology).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Physician treatment of functional bowel symptoms in the last 10 months.
2. Current use of prescription medications for functional bowel symptoms.
3. 1 or more bowel movements per day.
4. Contraindication to use of Fleets Enema or the balloon expulsion test.
5. Severe difficulty with defecation and/or recurrent events of unsuccessful defecation with straining.
6. Severe FBD symptoms at baseline.
7. Medical diagnosis of FBD
8. Daily use of OTC anti-pain, anti-diarrheal or laxative medications.
9. Presence of pre-existing serious, unstable medical condition.
10. Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus.
11. Current diagnosis of major psychiatric disorder or suicide attempt within the last two years.
12. History of alcohol or substance abuse within two years.
13. Treatment for malignancy other than BCC or SCC within the last 5 years.
14. Self-diagnosis of lactase deficiency that explains symptoms (i.e., symptoms resolved or reduced significantly with lactose-free diet.)
15. Participation in a drug study within the last 21 days.
16. Antibiotic treatment or probiotic products consumption during the last 4 weeks.
17. Predisposition to infection (i.e. immune system compromised, rheumatic heart disease, artificial valve, history of bacterial endocarditis, active bacterial disease, etc).
18. History of gastric bezoar (masses trapped in the gastrointestinal tract).
19. Disorders of swallowing and/or severe difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) food or pills.
20. Suspected strictures, fistulas, colon cancer or other physiological GI obstruction.
21. Allergies to components of the Smart Bar: Granola (Rolled Oats, Evaporated Cane Juice, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Defatted Wheat Germ, Oat Flour, Brown Rice Syrup, Molasses, Salt, Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin), Whey Crisp, Rice Syrup, Corn Syrup, Whey Protein Isolate, Invert Sugar, Puffed Wheat, Apples, Maltodextrin, Sorbitol, Apple Juice Concentrate, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Cottonseed, Soybean), Honey, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Salt, Vanilla.
22. Prior GI surgery except for removal of gall bladder or appendix; prior stomach surgery for acid reflux disease (Nissen fundoplication).
23. Abdominal surgery within the past 3 months.
24. History of inflammatory bowel disease.
25. History of inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (diverticulitis or diverticulosis), tightening of bowels (diverticular stricture), and other intestinal strictures (per self report).
26. Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 40
27. Female of childbearing age not practicing birth control and/or pregnant or lactating.
28. Cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, or other chronic disease likely to affect GI motility.
29. Use of medical device such as a pacemaker, infusion pump, or insulin pump.
30. Use of following prohibited medications for 1 day prior to the SmartPill ingestion and the day of SmartPill ingestion: (a) Medication to alter gastric pH (Proton Pump Inhibitors); (b) antacids;
31. Use of following prohibited medications for 3 days prior to the SmartPill ingestion and the day of SmartPill ingestion (a) Medication to lower stomach; (b) Medication that affect GI motility