Embargoed until Monday 2nd April (00.01)
BRITS WITH IBS LOSE OVER TWO MONTHS A YEAR TO
TUMMY TROUBLES
New research out today reveals 16% of IBS sufferers claim their tummy troubles are so
severe it disrupts between two to three hours 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, a three in
one combination of gentle fibres, probiotic cultures and natural prebiotics, found an
astonishing 45% of people have experienced IBS or 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 between two 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%) and alcohol 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. Although nearly half of the British population have experienced digestive health
issues, a massive one 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 5 respondents 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
Brits suffering 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 www.lepicol.com, leading retailers such as Boots, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett
and independent health food stores and pharmacies.
-ENDSIssued by:
On behalf of:
Press enquiries:
Pegasus Public Relations
Lepicol
Ollie Fileti (01903 836 528) / ofileti@pegasuspr.co.uk
Lynne Kelly (01903 836 748) / lkelly@pegasuspr.co.uk
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 www.theibsnetwork.org
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 manufacture in 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 on their
products, but never compromise on their natural basis.