scholarly journals Efficacy of Polydextrose Supplementation on Colonic Transit Time, Bowel Movements, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Ibarra ◽  
Tetyana Pelipyagina ◽  
Matthew Rueffer ◽  
Malkanthi Evans ◽  
Arthur Ouwehand

The addition of fiber is one of the most important dietary means to relieve constipation through lifestyle modification. Polydextrose (PDX) has been reported in several studies to increase fecal bulk, soften stools, and increase the number of defecations. However, there are few studies on the effect of PDX on colonic transit time (CTT). Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of PDX on CTT and other aspects of gastrointestinal function during two weeks (Day 1 to Day 14), preceded by a 2-week run-in period (Day -14 to Day -1). A total of 192 adults who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were recruited for the study. Participants were randomized equally into 4 groups (12 g, 8 g, or 4 g of PDX or placebo per day). The primary endpoint was CTT, assessed using radio-opaque markers and abdominal X-rays on Day 0, the baseline; and Day 15, the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories were the patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, bowel function index, relief of constipation, bowel movement frequency (BMF), stool consistency, degree of straining, and proportion of bowel movements. Ancillary parameters and harms were also evaluated. The recruited population was not sufficiently constipated (e.g., baseline values for CTT and BMF of 42 h and 8.7 BMF/week, respectively). Despite this limitation, our results demonstrated an increased number of bowel movements when supplemented with PDX at a dosage of 12 g per day for 2 weeks. This dosage also consistently improved the secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories at Day 15, compared with the baseline. No serious or significant adverse events were reported during the study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 205846011880723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Bohlin ◽  
Erik Dahlin ◽  
Julia Dreja ◽  
Bodil Roth ◽  
Olle Ekberg ◽  
...  

Background Gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in colonic transit time (CTT) are common in the population. Purpose To evaluate consecutive patients who had been examined for CTT, along with completion of a diary about laxative and drug use, lifestyle factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms, to identify possible associations with longer or prolonged CTT. Material and Methods A total of 610 consecutive patients had undergone the radiopaque marker method with an abdominal X-ray for clinical purposes. The patients had completed a diary regarding medical treatment, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and their perceived constipation and abdominal pain during the examination period. The associations between CTT and laxative use, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and symptoms were calculated by logistic regression. Results Women had longer CTT (2.5 [1.6–3.9] vs. 1.7 [1.1–3.0] days, P < 0.001), lower weekly stool frequency (6 [3–10] vs. 8 [5–12], P = 0.001), and perceived more constipation ( P = 0.025) and abdominal pain ( P = 0.001) than men. High coffee consumption ( P = 0.045), bulk-forming ( P = 0.007) and osmotic ( P = 0.001) laxatives, and lower stool frequency, shaped stool, and perceived constipation ( P for trend < 0.001) were associated with longer CTT. In total, 382 patients (63%) were treated with drugs affecting motility. In the 228 patients without drug treatment, longer CTT was associated with female sex and smoking, and lower frequency of symptoms and prolonged CTT were observed compared to patients using drugs. Tea, alcohol, and abdominal pain did not associate with CTT. Conclusions Female sex, coffee, smoking, drug use, infrequent stools, shaped stool, and perception of constipation are associated with longer or prolonged CTT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohei Okawa

Abstract Background Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) involve chronic or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory tests show no organic lesions, and the symptoms are due to dysfunction. The most typical FGID is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In IBS patients, defecation disorders are common and have adverse effects on daily life. The proper evaluation and analysis of colonic transit are important for the management of defecation disorders in IBS patients. In addition, dietary intake and lifestyle affect colonic transit. An accurate assessment of such factors can guide management, leading to improvements in colonic transit and the resolution of defecation disorders. Main topic The Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS are based on subjective symptoms, which must be communicated and explained by the patient, limiting their application. Colonic transit time and ultrasonography are objective tools that can be used to diagnose IBS. In particular, previous studies used colonic transit to accurately distinguish between constipation and normal stool passage and to assess delayed gastrointestinal motility. Diet and lifestyle modifications can improve colonic transit and ameliorate bowel dysfunction. Conclusion Colonic transit can be improved by modifying lifestyle factors. Defecation disorders in IBS patients may be resolved by focusing on such factors. In the future, methods of visualizing defecation disorders due to impaired gastrointestinal motility and objective indicators of the associated abdominal symptoms need to be investigated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 617-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Airaksinen ◽  
N. Yeung ◽  
A. Lyra ◽  
S.J. Lahtinen ◽  
T. Huttunen ◽  
...  

Selected strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are known to ameliorate constipation-related symptoms and have previously shown efficacy on digestive health. In this clinical trial, the safety and effectiveness of a probiotic blend containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were evaluated in adults with self-reported bloating and functional constipation. Constipation was diagnosed by the Rome III criteria. A total of 156 adults were randomised into this double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Participants consumed the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (1010 cfu), Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 (2.5×109 cfu), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains Bl-04 (2.5×109 cfu), Bi-07 (2.5×109 cfu) and HN019 (1010 cfu) (n=78), or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) (n=78) for two weeks. After treatment the following were measured: primary outcome of bloating and secondary outcomes of colonic transit time, bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, other gastrointestinal symptoms (flatulence, abdominal pain, and burbling), constipation-related questionnaires (PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL) and product satisfaction. Faecal recovery of consumed strains was determined. The enrolled population was defined as constipated, however, the initial bloating severity was lower than in previous similar studies. No clinically significant observations related to the safety of the product were reported. Product efficacy was not shown in the primary analysis for bloating nor for the secondary efficacy analyses. The placebo functioned similarly as the probiotic product. In post-hoc analysis, a statistically significant decrease in flatulence in favour of the probiotic group was observed; day 7 (intention-to-treat (ITT): P=0.0313; per-protocol (PP): 0.0253) and on day 14 (ITT: P=0.0116; PP: P=0.0102) as measured by area under the curve (AUC) analysis. The mean AUC of all symptoms decreased in favour of the probiotic group, indicating less digestive discomfort. The study was registered at the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN41607808).


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Masoud Taheri ◽  
Rahmatollah Rafiei ◽  
Zahra Torabi ◽  
Ali Toghiani ◽  
Sina Taherzadeh

Introduction: Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms which could affect patients’ quality of life. The colonic transit time test could be used for determining functional constipation subtypes. The aim of our study was to determine the abnormalities of the subtypes of functional constipation using CTT. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on 85 patients in 2011 in Shariaaty Hospital, Isfahan. All the patients received 60 radio-opaque markers, and they underwent radiological evaluation 5 days afterwards. Functional constipation was determined according to the distribution of the markers in the colon. Result: The samples consisted of 24 males and 61 females at a mean age of 42.7 ± 16.28 years. The colonic transit time results showed that 71 patients had normal transit time, 6 had a composite type, 5 had slow transit, and 3 had pelvic delay. There was no significant difference between sex and colon transit time types (P value =0.32). The mean colon transit time in our study was 51.8 ± 16.3 hours. Conclusion: Functional constipation patients should undergo CTT, especially those who use maneuvers for defecation and those who need more time for defecation.[GMJ. 2012;1(2):48-52]


2013 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Merenstein ◽  
Frank D'Amico ◽  
Caren Palese ◽  
Alexander Hahn ◽  
Jessy Sparenborg ◽  
...  

The present study investigated the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bf-6 (LMG 24 384) (Bf-6)-supplemented yogurt on colonic transit time (CTT). A triple-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-period cross-over trial was conducted with sixty-eight women with a self-reported history of straining during bowel movements or hard or lumpy stools in the past 2 years. As per regulatory requirements for probiotic studies, eligible women were generally healthy and not actively constipated at the time of enrolment. Participants consumed both Bf-6 and placebo yogurts for 14 d each in a randomised order, with a 6-week washout period between the treatments. The primary outcome, CTT, was assessed via Sitz marker X-rays. The average CTT was 42·1 h for the active period and 43·3 h for the control period (mean difference 1·2 h, 95 % CI − 4·9, 7·4). Since the statistical tests for the cross-over study implied that the mean CTT for the active and control periods in period 2 were biased, the standard protocol suggests examining the results of only period 1 as a traditional randomised controlled trial. This showed that the mean CTT was 35·2 h for the active period v. 52·9 h for the control period (P= 0·015). Bootstrapping demonstrated that both the mean and median differences remained significant (P= 0·016 and P= 0·045, respectively). Few adverse events were noted, with no differences among the active and control periods. The paired analysis showed no differences between the active and control periods during the cross-over trial. Further trials should be conducted in populations with underlying problems associated with disordered transit to determine the potential value of probiotic supplementation more accurately.


2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. A-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riadh Sadik ◽  
Iris Posserud ◽  
Hans Strid ◽  
Gisela Ringstrom ◽  
Pia Agerforz ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document