 Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, is a common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is estimated to affect up to 1 in 5 people worldwide, resulting in significant morbidity due to reduced quality of life, decreased work productivity and increased health care utilization and costs. IBS has been linked to various intraintestinal and extraintestinal conditions, such as psychiatric comorbidities, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a key role in the development and maintenance of IBS, and that certain factors can affect the gut microbiome, potentially leading to the onset or exacerbation of symptoms. Furthermore, the gut microbiome may be a potential therapeutic target for IBS, and research into the use of probiotics and other dietary interventions are currently underway. This article was authored by Sofia Deshake, Natalie Sun, Andrew Kanakis, and others. We are article.tv, links in the description below.