Effect of Probiotics on Constipation, Fecal Azoreductase Activity and Fecal Mucin Content in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects, probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and reduce fecal enzyme activity. Methods: Elderly subjects (n = 28) were enrolled in an open parallel study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: 1 control group receiving juice; 1 group receiving juice supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri, and 1 group receiving juice supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. During the first 3 weeks all subjects consumed unsupplemented juice. In the subsequent 4 weeks, the subjects received their designated juice. During the last 3 weeks, all subjects again received unsupplemented juice. From the subjects, defecation frequency, laxative use, fecal pH, mucin content and azoreductase activity were assessed during the last week of each period. Results: The subjects receiving the L. rhamnosus/P. freudenreichii-supplemented juice exhibited a 24% increase in defecation frequency. However, no reduction in laxative use was observed. The fecal azoreductase activity was also significantly reduced in this group. No changes in fecal pH or mucin excretion were observed. Conclusion: Some relief from constipation may be observed with the combination of L. rhamnosus/P. freudenreichii. This probiotic combination also reduced fecal enzyme activity. The tested probiotics did not affect the mucosal barrier.

Change of Fecal Flora and Effectiveness of the Short-term VSL#3 Probiotic Treatment in Patients With Functional Constipation

“…4,5,12,19,20 Our results also revealed a change in the gut flora in patients with FC. The fold differences in the concentrations of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides spp.…”

“…Several studies have suggested probiotics as a possible treatment agent. [12][13][14] The therapeutic outcome of a specific probiotic in the management of patients with FC depends on various factors, including bacterial strains, treatment duration, administration form and dose, and host factors. Currently, due to the paucity of data, whether any particular probiotic is more effective in the treatment of FC remains inconclusive.…”

Dairy Propionibacteria: Less Conventional Probiotics to Improve the Human and Animal Health

“…In humans, independent researches have shown that consumption of P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii JS decreased to different extents fecal azoreductase activity in elderly subjects, β-glucosidase and urease in healthy young men and β-glucuronidase activity of irritable bowel syndrome patients [202,203].…”

Probiotics - What They Are, Their Benefits and Challenges

“…bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus produce β-Dgalactosidase thereby improving tolerance to lactose (Adams & Moss, 2000;Fooks et al, 1999, Shah, 2000c Constipation, a disorder of motor activity of the large bowel characterized by bowel movements that are less frequent than normal (Salminen et al, 1998b), pain during defecation, abnormal swelling and incomplete emptying of colon contents (Salminen et al, 1998a), can also be relieved by probiotic use. Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii are probiotic strains shown to improve the condition (Ouwenhand et al, 2002).…”