Embargoed until Monday 2nd April (00.01)
BRITS WITH IBS LOSE OVER TWO MONTHS A YEARTO TUMMY TROUBLES
New research out today reveals 16% of IBS sufferers claim their tummy troubles are so severe itdisruptsbetween two tothreehours of their daily activity.* This amounts to almost six days a month or over two months a year!
The Great Loo Taboo Survey of 3,000 British adults, commissioned by Lepicol, athree in onecombination of gentle fibres, probiotic cultures and natural prebiotics, found an astonishing 45% of people have experienced IBSor ongoing digestive health issues, with 10%more women (50% of respondents) affected than men (40%).
On top of the 16% of people who are disrupted for a month a year, a further 30% claim to be disrupted betweentwo to three hours a week.Interestingly, of all regions,people in Wales (25%) claim to be most effected on a daily basis, closely followed by East Midlands (23%) and the North West (18%).
With our current economic climate it’s no wonder the research has found that nearly two thirds (65%) of people believe stress is the number one cause for ongoing digestive health issues and IBS. This was closely followed by people’s diet (56%), family history (16%) andalcohol consumption (15%).
The report aims to highlight the taboos associated with digestive health issues and shines light on the daily challenges faced by sufferers. Even though digestive health issues are having a clear affect on people’s lives, the research reveals we are a nation of silent sufferers. Althoughnearly half of the British population have experienced digestive health issues, a massiveone in five people revealed they have never discussed their digestive health with anyone at all.Of those willing to discuss it, 70%were happy discussing this with their GP, followed by their family (50%) and then partner (48%).
Luckily there is help at hand and the British population are keen to try new ways to ease their symptoms. Nearly 1 in 5respondents would consider taking alternative medicine treatments, like acupuncture and homeopathy, whilst a higher percentage (41%) are open to taking natural food supplements to help ease their digestive symptoms.
Peter Cartwright, a microbiologist and expert on digestive disorders says,“With 45% of Britssuffering with IBS or ongoing digestive health issues it is important to be aware of ways to help counteract this as best as possible. There are many ways people can help maintain a healthy bowel. I recommend using a natural probiotic to ensure that the environment in your digestive tract is stable,which goes a long way to aid your health and wellbeing”.
Dr Nick Read, Chair of The IBS Network says, “This research suggests that among a random sample of people, IBS may be much more prevalent than previously thought. According to these findings, most people acknowledge that stress is the most common cause with diet coming a close second. This underlines that mood and food may interact to cause bowel upset. So is IBS a disorder of life? Doctors may not be aware of the extent of IBS because as this study suggests people are ashamed of it and prefer to suffer in silence”.
Lepicol is a three in one combination of a soluble plant fibre known as Psyllium Husks, Inulin (Prebiotics) and Probiotic Cultures. These ingredients make up a formulation which is effective but gentle in action and suitable for everyday use in helping to maintain a healthy bowel.
Lepicol is priced at £11.18 for 180g (powdered) or £16.33 for 180 (capsules). Available from , leading retailers such as Boots, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett and independent health food stores and pharmacies.
-ENDS-
Issued by: Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of: Lepicol
Press enquiries: Ollie Fileti (01903 836 528) /
Lynne Kelly (01903 836 748) /
Notes to Editors:
*One Poll survey of 3000 men and women, February 2012
Figures based on 1 day = 12 hours
The IBS Network is the national charity for patients with The Irritable Bowel Syndrome. For more information visit
About Lepicol
The Lepicol (Healthy Bowels) Company was founded by Peter Jackson in 1999. He developed the Lepicol formulation due to concern for his own bowel health, because of his personal experience with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Lepicol is now owned by Probiotics International Ltd (Protexin).
Protexin is a family owned business dedicated to producing innovative research based products of the highest quality for animals and humans. The company’s belief is that nature is an ideal source of effective healthcare solutions, and that applied research and understanding can harness these solutions to the benefit of both humans and animals.
Protexin manufacturein a purpose built, state-of-the-art facility in Somerset, UK. They work closely with leading universities, hospitals and research centres around the world on a range of ongoing research programmes. They are always looking to improve ontheir products, but never compromise on their natural basis.