AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ i3.1 probiotic blend may help restore compromised intestinal barrier function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to new research. The in vitro study used biopsies from IBS patients and laboratory cell lines to create a realistic model and include natural patient variability. Incubating these cells with the probiotic blend restored barrier function to levels comparable to healthy controls after three hours.