Galacto-oligosaccharides relieve constipation in elderly people

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Constipation is a common issue in the elderly population, impacting quality of life.
• Dietary interventions, including prebiotics, are explored for managing constipation.
• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are recognized prebiotics with potential laxative effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in alleviating constipation among elderly individuals.
• To assess the impact of GOS supplementation on defecation frequency, stool consistency, and ease of defecation.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, two-period cross-over study involving 14 elderly female subjects with constipation.
• Subjects consumed either control yogurts or yogurts containing 9g of GOS daily for two weeks per period.
• Bowel function was monitored daily via questionnaires, with laxative use recorded.

Main Results:

• Defecation frequency was significantly higher during the GOS period (7.1/week) compared to the control period (5.9/week).
• GOS did not show a statistically significant effect on laxative use or stool consistency.
• A trend suggested GOS may ease defecation (p=0.07), with similar adverse gastrointestinal symptoms across both groups.

Conclusions:

• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) appear to offer relief from constipation in the elderly, though individual responses vary.
• Daily GOS supplementation via yogurt may be a viable option for improving bowel regularity in older adults.
• Further research could explore optimal GOS dosages and long-term effects in geriatric populations.