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Summary
Wheat bran supplementation in aged hospital patients significantly reduced laxative use. However, men experienced greater benefits and some side effects compared to women, suggesting sex-specific responses to dietary fiber for constipation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Dietary Interventions
Background:
- Constipation is a common issue in aged hospital patients, often managed with aperients and suppositories.
- Dietary fiber, such as wheat bran, is a potential non-pharmacological approach to managing bowel dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dietary wheat bran in aged hospital patients with dyschezia (difficulty defecating).
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in response to wheat bran supplementation.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving 25 aged hospital patients (12 men, 13 women) with dyschezia.
- Inclusion of wheat bran in the daily diet, with dosages ranging from 5-25 g/day (mean 15 g/day).
- Monitoring of bowel actions, constipated days, stool size, need for aperients/suppositories, and side effects.
Main Results:
- Wheat bran significantly reduced the need for aperients and suppositories across the patient group.
- Men showed greater improvements, including increased bowel actions, fewer constipated days, and larger stool size.
- Women exhibited less pronounced effects; side effects were only reported in men.
Conclusions:
- Dietary wheat bran is a cost-effective option for reducing laxative dependence in long-stay hospital patients.
- Significant sex-based differences in response and tolerance to wheat bran were observed.
- Further investigation into optimal methods for incorporating wheat bran into the diet is warranted.