Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Effects of chicory inulin in constipated elderly people: a double-blind controlled trial
Philippe Marteau1, Heidi Jacobs, Murielle Cazaubiel
1Medicosurgical Department of Digestive Diseases, AP-HP Lariboisière Hospital and Paris 7 Denis Diderot University, Paris, France.
Abstract:
The impact of the daily consumption of 15 g chicory native inulin on fecal levels of bifidobacteria, stool parameters and quality of life of elderly constipated volunteers was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled versus placebo clinical trial. The impact of supplementation on constipation was assessed with questionnaires on bowel motor function parameters, visual analogue scales on bowel symptoms and quality of life. Fecal bacteria counts were determined at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation. Inulin supplementation led to a significant increase in total fecal bacteria (P < 0.01) and bifidobacteria (P < 0.001) concentrations after 28 days of consumption. Volunteers (n = 25) in the inulin group reported increased satisfaction about digestion (P < 0.01) and reduced defecation difficulties (P < 0.001) during the supplementation. Slight gastrointestinal symptoms (flatulence) were reported but did not lead to discontinuation. Daily supplementation with 15 g inulin improves constipation and quality of life in an elderly population with constipation.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...