Does a probiotic 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
A study focusing on Parkinson's disease (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. This suggests that probiotics can be particularly beneficial for constipation in PD patients.
Probiotics for Functional Constipation in Adults
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults. One meta-analysis found that probiotics significantly reduced whole gut transit time by 12.4 hours and increased stool frequency by 1.3 bowel movements per week. Bifidobacterium lactis, in particular, showed significant improvements in stool frequency and consistency2 4. Another review highlighted that multi-strain probiotics were more effective than single-species probiotics in improving stool frequency and consistency4.
Mechanisms of Action
The beneficial effects of probiotics on constipation may be attributed to several mechanisms. Probiotics can alter 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 7. These changes in the gut environment can help alleviate constipation symptoms.
Probiotics in Elderly Populations
Constipation is a prevalent issue among the elderly, and probiotics have been studied as a potential treatment. A systematic review found that probiotics significantly improved constipation in elderly individuals by 10-40% compared to placebo controls. Bifidobacterium longum was the most commonly tested strain and showed promising results9. However, the review also noted the need for more high-quality, placebo-controlled trials to determine the most effective strains, doses, and treatment durations.
Probiotics for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
Probiotics have also been studied for their effects on constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that probiotics significantly increased stool frequency and improved stool consistency in IBS-C patients. The studies also reported no serious adverse events, indicating that probiotics are a safe treatment option8 10.
Conclusion
The collective evidence suggests that probiotics can be an effective and safe treatment for constipation across various populations, including those with Parkinson's disease, functional constipation, and IBS-C. Multi-strain probiotics, in particular, appear to offer the most significant benefits. However, further research is needed to identify the most effective strains, doses, and treatment durations to optimize the use of probiotics 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 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-Analysis
Very 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 ReviewMeta-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 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 JournalMulti-strain probiotics alleviate loperamide-induced constipation by adjusting the microbiome, serotonin, and short-chain fatty acids in rats
Multi-strain probiotics can help alleviate loperamide-induced constipation by altering short-chain fatty acids, serotonin, and mucin levels through improved intestinal microflora.
Effects 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 ReviewEffectiveness and Safety of Probiotics for Patients with Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotics may improve stool consistency and increase Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in feces for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous Journal