Procedures
If inclusion criteria were fulfilled, no exclusion criteria were identified, and written informed consent was obtained, the individual was included in the study. Participants were randomized to (a) double dose probiotics (four capsules probiotic per day), (b) single dose probiotics (two capsules probiotic per day and two capsules of placebo), or (c) placebo (four capsules of placebo). At the 3-month visit, participants who had single or double dose probiotics were offered to continue the study for three additional months, an open phase, with triple dose probiotics (six capsules per day).Study participants were instructed to take half of the dose before breakfast and half of the dose before dinner each day. A schematic figure of the study process is shown in Fig. Schematic drawing of the study design.Clinical investigation was scheduled at baseline (date of inclusion), at 3-month follow-up (90 days after inclusion), and at 6-month follow-up (180 days after inclusion). At baseline, all participants filled in a questionnaire including demographics, well-being, and gastrointestinal function and habits, see Supplementary file 