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Systematic review of randomised controlled trials: probiotics for functional constipation

Anna Chmielewska1, Hania Szajewska

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, 01-184 Warsaw, Dzialdowska 1, Poland.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplements show promise for treating constipation in adults and children. Specific strains like Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei improved bowel movements and stool consistency, but further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring a health benefit, are explored for managing constipation.
  • Evidence on probiotic efficacy for constipation requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and update the evidence on the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation for constipation treatment.
  • To analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in pediatric and adult populations.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases up to May 2009.
  • Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults and children with constipation.
  • Data from five RCTs with a total of 377 participants were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • In adults, specific probiotics including Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 demonstrated positive effects on defecation frequency and stool consistency.
  • In children, Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 showed a beneficial effect on constipation symptoms.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not show a significant benefit in the pediatric group studied.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence suggests certain probiotic strains may be beneficial for treating constipation in adults and children.
  • However, the use of probiotics for constipation is considered investigational due to limited available data.
  • Further research is warranted to establish definitive efficacy and safety guidelines for probiotic use in constipation management.
Abstract

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