Effects of Sulfate-Rich Mineral Water on Functional Constipation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Magnesium sulfate is a traditional osmotic laxative, enhancing stool consistency and bowel transit.
• Functional constipation (FC) affects a significant portion of the population, necessitating effective treatments.
• Investigating natural mineral waters offers a potential alternative or adjunct therapy for FC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a carbonated, calcium/magnesium sulfate-rich natural mineral water in subjects with functional constipation.
• To compare the effects of the mineral water against a carbonated tap water placebo over a 6-week period.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 100 subjects diagnosed with functional constipation (Rome III criteria).
• Participants consumed 1 liter daily of either the mineral water or placebo for 6 weeks.
• Primary endpoint: change in weekly bowel movement frequency from baseline to week 6; secondary endpoint: change from baseline to week 3.

Main Results:

• After 3 weeks, the mineral water group showed a statistically significant increase in bowel movement frequency (2.02/week) compared to placebo (0.88/week) (p=0.005).
• At 6 weeks, the difference in bowel movement frequency between the mineral water and placebo groups was no longer statistically significant (p=0.163).
• Intention-to-treat analysis included 100 subjects.

Conclusions:

• A 3-week intake of sulfate-rich mineral water can improve bowel movement frequency in functional constipation patients.
• The observed benefit diminished by week 6, suggesting a need for further investigation into sustained efficacy.
• Rigorous clinical studies are required to validate the long-term impact of sulfate-rich natural mineral water on functional constipation.