Do probiotics help with constipation
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The Efficacy of Probiotics in Alleviating Constipation
Introduction to Probiotics and Constipation
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and difficulty in passing stools. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, have been increasingly studied for their potential to alleviate constipation. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in treating constipation.
Probiotics and Constipation in Parkinson's Disease
Several studies have investigated the impact of probiotics on constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 72 PD patients demonstrated that multi-strain probiotics significantly increased the average number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) per week compared to a placebo. The study also reported improvements in stool consistency and quality of life related to constipation1 5. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that multi-strain probiotics improved bowel opening frequency and reduced gut transit time in PD patients9.
Probiotics for Functional Constipation in Adults
Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have provided substantial evidence supporting the use of probiotics for functional constipation in adults. One meta-analysis found that probiotics significantly reduced whole gut transit time by approximately 13.75 hours and increased stool frequency by nearly one bowel movement per week. The benefits were more pronounced with multi-species probiotics compared to single-species probiotics2. Another systematic review corroborated these findings, highlighting that probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium lactis, improved stool frequency and consistency3.
Probiotics in Elderly Populations
Constipation is particularly prevalent among the elderly, and probiotics have been explored as a potential treatment. A systematic review of studies involving elderly participants found that probiotics significantly improved constipation symptoms by 10-40% compared to placebo controls. However, the review noted the need for more high-quality RCTs to determine the most effective strains, doses, and treatment durations8.
Mechanisms of Action
The beneficial effects of probiotics on constipation are thought to be mediated through several mechanisms. Probiotics can optimize the gut microbiome, increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, and enhance serotonin levels in the colon, which collectively improve bowel movements and stool consistency6 10. Additionally, probiotics may reduce gut transit time and alleviate bloating, further contributing to their efficacy in treating constipation2 7.
Conclusion
The current body of research suggests that probiotics, especially multi-strain formulations, are effective in alleviating constipation across various populations, including those with Parkinson's disease, functional constipation, and elderly individuals. While the evidence is promising, further studies are needed to identify the most effective probiotic strains, optimal dosages, and treatment durations to maximize their benefits for constipation relief.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotics for constipation in Parkinson's disease: A randomized placebo-controlled study.
Multi-strain probiotics effectively increased the average number of spontaneous bowel movements per week in Parkinson's disease patients, improving stool consistency and quality of life.
RCT
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMeta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults.
Probiotics, particularly multispecies probiotics, can significantly reduce gut transit time, increase stool frequency, and improve stool consistency in adults with functional constipation.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics may improve gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency in adults with functional constipation, but more rigorous research is needed to determine the most effective strains, doses, and duration of use.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in chronic constipation: Outstanding aspects to be considered for the current evidence
Prebiotics and probiotics can improve stool consistency and reduce colonic transit time, but more high-quality randomized control trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in managing intestinal constipation.
Systematic ReviewProbiotics for Constipation in Parkinson Disease
Multistrain probiotics effectively increased the average number of spontaneous bowel movements per week in Parkinson's disease patients, improving stool consistency and quality of life.
RCTRigorous JournalEffects of dietary fibers or probiotics on functional constipation symptoms and roles of gut microbiota: a double-blinded randomized placebo trial
Dietary fibers and probiotics may relieve functional constipation symptoms, with specific gut microbiota changes influencing relief, and baseline gut microbiota may predict responsiveness.
RCTThe efficacy and safety of probiotics for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on seventeen randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics may be safe and may improve gut transit time, stool frequency, and consistency in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Meta-AnalysisThe effect of probiotics as a treatment for constipation in elderly people: A systematic review.
Probiotics significantly improve constipation in elderly individuals by 10-40% compared to placebo controls, with Bifidobacterium longum being the most commonly tested strain.
Systematic ReviewMulti-strain probiotics (Hexbio) containing MCP BCMC strains improved constipation and gut motility in Parkinson’s disease: A randomised controlled trial
A multi-strain probiotic (Hexbio) containing MCP BCMC strains significantly improved bowel opening frequency and gut transit time in Parkinson's disease patients with constipation over 8 weeks.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly Cited