A comparative, randomised, double-blind trial was performed in the medical departments of five hospitals to study the effects of regular consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on the digestive comfort of subjects with minor functional bowel disorders (FBD). In step 1, 2235 subjects were questioned to assess the incidence and intensity of digestive disorders. In step 2, 105 of these patients diagnosed with minor FBD were randomised into two groups to receive either 5 g sc-FOS or 5 g placebo (sucrose and maltodextrins) per d over a 6-week period. The incidence and intensity of digestive disorders were assessed at the end of the treatment period (day 43) using the step 1 questionnaires. A qualityof-life questionnaire was also completed at the start and end of the treatment period to assess potential effects on well-being and social performance. In step 1, 44 % of the subjects questioned presented FBD, of whom 57·1 % suffered from minor FBD. In step 2, on day 43, the intensity of digestive disorders decreased by 43·6 % in the sc-FOS group v. a 13·8 % increase in the placebo group (P¼0·026). Symptoms were experienced less frequently by 75·0 % of subjects in the sc-FOS group, while 53·8 % of controls experienced no change (P¼0·064). Using the functional digestive disorders quality of life questionnaire, the discomfort item scores increased in the sc-FOS group (P¼ 0·031). However, expressed as change in quality of life (improvement, worsening or unchanged), daily activities were significantly improved in the sc-FOS group (P¼ 0.022). Regular consumption of sc-FOS may improve digestive comfort in a working population not undergoing medical treatment.
Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides: Quality of life: Functional bowel disordersFunctional bowel disorders (FBD) are diagnosed on the basis of characteristic symptoms in the digestive system persisting for at least 12 weeks over the last 12 months in the absence of any structural or biochemical explanation 1 . The five main symptoms reported by patients are abdominal bloating, rumbling, transit disorders (occasional constipation and/or diarrhoea, possibly alternating), abdominal pains and flatulence. FBD have been reported as being chronic, non-life-threatening conditions, but having a marked impact on daily activities, wellbeing and social performance, even during symptom-free periods, mainly due to apprehension about impending pain 2 -6 .These functional disorders, influenced by psychological and environmental factors 7 , are common, with a reported prevalence of up to 61 % in the French population aged over 15 years 6 . Functional disorders thus lead to a high number of general medical and gastroenterology consultations, respectively accounting for 10 and 50 % of all medical consultations 4 -6,8 -11 . However, two-thirds of subjects with FBD never consult a doctor for their disorder. A nutritional approach therefore appears a good alternative to medication for subjects with minor FBD or individuals rejecting medical therapy. Amongst the few already ...