Effect of a double-coated probiotic formulation on functional constipation in the elderly: a randomized, double blind, controlled study

Abstract

A randomized, double blind, controlled study was conducted to evaluate a multi-species probiotic product, Duolac(®) Care, for the efficacy in functional constipation of elderly nursing home residents. Forty participants were randomly assigned to receive either one capsule containing six bacterial strains (2.5 × 10(8) viable cells/capsule) doubly coated with proteins and polysaccharides (DC group) or one capsule containing the same bacterial strains without the coating layers outside the cell (NC group) twice a day (5 × 10(8) viable cells/day). After consumption of 2 weeks, NC group showed a significant improvement in a symptom of Rome III criteria for constipation, 'effort to evacuate', but failed to show a significant improvement in weekly defecation frequency. By contrast, DC group showed significant improvements in symptoms of 'effort to evacuate' and 'sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage' as well as being improved in 'defecation frequency'. The quantitative analysis of the fecal bacteria revealed that the levels of all the bacterial species consumed were significantly increased after consumption in both groups. However DC group showed larger increases in the bacterial levels than NC group, and the overall bacterial levels in DC group were about 100-fold or greater than those in NC group. Therefore the improvements in the symptoms appeared to be closely associated with large increases of the bacterial species consumed. The double-coating layers of proteins and polysaccharides ensured increase in the levels of bacteria, indicating that the layers function to protect the bacteria from the digestive action in the GI tract. Therefore, Duolac(®) Care could be a treatment option in functional constipation.

Detection Probiotic's DNA of Lactobacillus paracasei in Healthy Human Faeces

“…However, it is important to note that 30% of the participants in our study noticed a transient change in their defecation frequency. This finding is considered a normal reaction because some strains of Lactobacillus species increase the bowel movement frequency in adults as reported also in other studies [16][17]. Furthermore, our study showed both constipation and diarrhea were reported in a few cases without significance, whereas fever was not observed in any case during the period of probiotic consumption.…”

Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial

“…Only degree of straining differed significantly, declining with high-dose HN019 versus placebo at Day 28 in the BMF ≤ 3/week subpopulation; but, there were no differences in the changes from baseline to the end of the study between these groups. There are conflicting data on the typical baseline straining values for participants who are enrolled per Rome III criteria for functional constipation: studies have reported higher, 30 , 40 , 41 similar, 42 , 43 and lower 44 levels compared with us. However, our population was less constipated, according to the complete bowel emptying, abdominal pain, and bloating scores.…”

The Association between Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Constipation of Geriatrics in Iran

“…The resulting dysbiosis may be among the causes or the outcomes of opportunistic Enterobacteria proliferation, which seemed to positively correlate with enhancement in some pro-inflammatory signals (IL6 and IL8). Macfarlane 33 reported that short term symbiotic application could efficiently ameliorate the composition and metabolic functions of colonic bacterial communities and immune factors in old age people. Finally, Clarke and co-workers 34 showed a significant correlation between IL-6 and immune activation pathways.…”