Apple Polyphenols and Defecation in Overweight Adults with Constipation - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Gastroenterology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Constipation is a common condition associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and renal diseases.
• Identifying effective interventions for constipation is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of unripe apple-derived polyphenols on defecation frequency in Japanese adults experiencing constipation.
• To assess secondary outcomes including stool characteristics, gut microbiota, and metabolic markers.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 24 participants with constipation (BMI ≥25 kg/m²).
• Participants received either 600 mg/day of apple polyphenols or a placebo.
• Primary outcome was weekly defecation frequency; secondary outcomes included fecal Akkermansia muciniphila counts and blood lipid profiles.

Main Results:

• The apple polyphenol group showed a significantly higher weekly defecation frequency (7.0 ± 2.1) compared to the placebo group (4.9 ± 1.4) (p=0.004).
• No significant differences were observed in fecal Akkermansia muciniphila counts or body composition between groups.
• A trend towards lower blood triglyceride levels was noted in the apple polyphenol group.

Conclusions:

• Consumption of unripe apple-derived polyphenols may effectively increase defecation frequency and improve constipation in adults.
• Apple polyphenols did not significantly alter fecal Akkermansia muciniphila levels in this study population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the broader health implications and mechanisms of apple polyphenols in managing constipation.