Do probiotics make you constipated
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Do Probiotics Make You Constipated?
Introduction to Probiotics and Constipation
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are commonly used to improve gut health and are often considered for managing gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation. However, there is a concern about whether probiotics might cause or exacerbate constipation.
Probiotics and Gut Transit Time
Several studies have investigated the impact of probiotics on gut transit time (GTT), which is a critical factor in constipation. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that probiotics significantly reduced whole gut transit time by approximately 12.4 to 13.75 hours1 2. This reduction in GTT suggests that probiotics can help alleviate constipation rather than cause it.
Stool Frequency and Consistency
Probiotics have been shown to increase stool frequency and improve stool consistency. For instance, one systematic review and meta-analysis reported that probiotics increased stool frequency by 1.3 bowel movements per week and improved stool consistency1. Another study found that multispecies probiotics significantly increased stool frequency and improved stool consistency compared to single-species probiotics2. These findings indicate that probiotics are more likely to relieve constipation symptoms rather than cause them.
Specific Strains and Their Effects
Different probiotic strains have varying effects on constipation. Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei Shirota are among the strains studied. B. lactis has been shown to significantly increase stool frequency and improve stool consistency, while L. casei Shirota has shown mixed results1 3. Multispecies probiotics, which include a combination of different strains, appear to be more effective in improving constipation symptoms2 8.
Probiotics in Special Populations
The effectiveness of probiotics in treating constipation has also been studied in specific populations, such as the elderly and individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). In elderly individuals, probiotics significantly improved constipation by 10-40% compared to placebo5. In PD patients, multi-strain probiotics increased the average number of spontaneous bowel movements and improved stool consistency6 8.
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms through which probiotics alleviate constipation include modulation of the gut microbiota, enhancement of gut motility, and improvement in stool consistency. Probiotics may also reduce gut inflammation and optimize the gut luminal environment, which can positively affect gut motility and secretion4 7.
Conclusion
The current body of research suggests that probiotics do not cause constipation. Instead, they are generally effective in reducing gut transit time, increasing stool frequency, and improving stool consistency. These benefits are particularly evident with specific strains like Bifidobacterium lactis and multispecies probiotic formulations. Therefore, probiotics can be considered a safe and natural option for alleviating constipation in various populations. Further research is needed to determine the most effective strains, doses, and treatment durations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The 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-Analysis
Very 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-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 ReviewMechanisms of Action of Probiotics and the Gastrointestinal Microbiota on Gut Motility and Constipation.
Probiotics may improve gut motility and constipation by affecting gut secretion and function, but further human studies are needed to determine specific strains' effectiveness.
Literature ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe 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 ReviewProbiotics 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 JournalHighly CitedEffects 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.
RCTMulti-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 CitedProbiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Probiotics can increase stool frequency in adults with chronic constipation, with Bifidobacterium lactis showing the most significant effect.
Meta-AnalysisPositive Effect of Probiotics on Constipation in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotics increase stool frequency in children with constipation, particularly in Asian children, but do not significantly affect stool consistency.
Meta-Analysis