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Probiotics for chronic constipation: A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study.
Ashwin D Porwal1, Paresh M Gandhi1, Deepak K Kulkarni1
1Healing Hands Clinic, Ground Floor, Millennium Star Extension, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Medicine
|May 19, 2026
Summary
GutBio Plus, a probiotic with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, significantly improved chronic constipation symptoms and quality of life in a clinical trial. It offers a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome research
- Clinical trial methodology
Background:
- Chronic constipation impacts quality of life and is inadequately managed by conventional treatments.
- A multispecies probiotic, GutBio Plus (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains), was investigated for its efficacy.
- Open-label, placebo-controlled trials are crucial for evaluating novel constipation therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of GutBio Plus in managing chronic constipation.
- To evaluate GutBio Plus's impact on complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) and related symptoms.
- To determine the effect of GutBio Plus on patients' quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 adults with chronic constipation (ROME IV criteria).
- Participants received either GutBio Plus capsules (n=45) or placebo (n=15) for 29 days.
- Primary outcome: proportion achieving ≥3 CSBM/week; secondary outcomes: stool consistency, pain, bloating, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- 100% of GutBio Plus users achieved ≥3 CSBM/week versus 7.69% for placebo (P<.05).
- Significant improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, and stool consistency were observed in the treatment group.
- GutBio Plus users reported marked improvements in quality of life, with sustained benefits post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- GutBio Plus is a safe and effective treatment for chronic constipation.
- It provides significant symptom relief and enhances patients' quality of life.
- GutBio Plus shows potential as a reliable alternative to conventional laxatives.
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