A comparative study of the effects on colon function caused by feeding ispaghula husk and polydextrose

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science
• Dietary Fiber Research

Background:

• Polydextrose is a novel soluble food ingredient resistant to intestinal digestion.
• Its indigestibility suggests potential effects on colonic function and regularity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of polydextrose and ispaghula supplementation on colonic function in healthy volunteers.
• To evaluate stool characteristics, transit time, and gas-related symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Healthy volunteers received daily doses of polydextrose (30g), ispaghula (7g), or mixtures over 10-day periods.
• Assessed were fecal mass, frequency, consistency, transit time, ease of defecation, flatulence, and palatability.
• A control period was included for baseline comparison.

Main Results:

• All tested preparations significantly increased weekly fecal mass compared to controls (P < 0.05).
• Polydextrose at 30g/day softened stool consistency, while ispaghula had no significant effect.
• All preparations increased flatulence, with polydextrose causing more significant gas-related issues than ispaghula, even at 10g/day.

Conclusions:

• Polydextrose demonstrates effective stool bulking and softening properties comparable to ispaghula.
• Despite better palatability, polydextrose's high incidence of flatulence makes it an unsuitable alternative laxative to ispaghula.