The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Two formulations were developed in the form of an oral sachet containing probiotics, and their efficacy and safety were evaluated in adults with functional constipation. Methods: One formulation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (3 billion Colony Forming Units -CFU); and another with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium animallis (8 billion CFU). The participants were randomized in a 3-arm parallel study and one oral sachet was auto-administered once a day for 30 days.Results: Primary outcomes were improvement in increasing the frequency of weekly bowel movements and improvement in stool quality. Secondary outcomes were number of adverse events. In the first week one observed an increase in stool frequency and in the quality of stools, showing an improvement in constipation. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three treatment groups in relation to these outcomes (P ≥ .05). Only one adverse event was observed in a patient of group 2, related to abdominal pain. Conclusion:The two probiotic cocktails were effective in improving the symptoms of functional constipation, by increasing both the weekly frequency of evacuation and stool quality, and were deemed safe. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04437147.

Effectiveness of Probiotics in Patients With Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Mitelmo et al's RCT demonstrated that probiotic blends containing three or eight strains effectively improved functional constipation symptoms, increasing evacuation frequency and stool quality from the first week of treatment [20]. They highlighted the cost-effectiveness of prebiotics over probiotics, though probiotics' diverse health benefits were evident, including gut health maintenance, pathogenic bacteria inhibition, and immune system enhancement [20]. Ojetti et al's study also confirmed the efficacy of L. reuteri in increasing bowel movement frequency in adults with chronic functional constipation [23].…”

“…References: [16][17][18][19][20] The results of five studies showed an odd ratio of 2.01 in the efficacy of probiotics vs. placebo groups. The odds ratio was 2.01 (fixed effect, 95%).…”

Prebiotics and Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Disorders

“…A Brazilian RCT by Mitelmão et al compared the efficacy of a probiotic mixture containing three strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium , another mixture containing eight strains, and conventional fiber therapy in adults with constipation. All interventions were safe and effective in improving symptoms of constipation; however, no significant difference was seen between the groups [ 92 ].…”

Prospects of using probiotics containing <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

“…Прием пробиотиков может уменьшить функциональные запоры и повысить как количество еженедельных дефекаций, так и качество стула [49]. Пробиотические продукты вызывают положительные изменения в кишечной микробиоте, увеличивая частоту дефекаций и улучшая качество стула [50].…”