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Probiotics Ameliorate Stool Consistency in Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind,
Jin Young Yoon1, Jae Myung Cha2, Ju Kyoung Oh3
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|June 8, 2018
Summary
Probiotics significantly improved stool consistency in patients with constipation. The benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum on stool consistency persisted even after supplementation ceased, suggesting a lasting effect.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Investigated probiotics' efficacy for irritable bowel syndrome-constipation (IBS-C) and functional constipation (FC).
- Assessed impact on clinical symptoms, fecal microbiota, and serum immune cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a specific probiotic formulation in patients with IBS-C or FC.
- To determine the probiotic's influence on stool consistency, bowel movements, quality of life, and gut microbiome composition.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 171 patients (IBS-C or FC).
- Intervention: Probiotics (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum) or placebo daily for 4 weeks.
- Follow-up: 4-week washout period; primary outcomes: Bristol Stool Form Scale and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBM).
Main Results:
- Probiotic group showed significantly improved stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale) at 4 and 8 weeks (P=0.002).
- Quality of life significantly improved in the probiotic group at 4 and 8 weeks (P=0.044, P=0.049).
- Increased relative abundance of L. plantarum observed in the probiotic group; no significant changes in other microbiomes or serum cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics, specifically L. plantarum, significantly improved stool consistency in chronic constipation patients.
- The beneficial effect on stool consistency persisted post-supplementation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of probiotic action in chronic constipation.
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