Effect of Yogurt Enriched Water-soluble Fiber on Functional Constipation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although a diet that is rich in fiber is widely recommended to prevent and treat constipation, the efficacy of fiber supplements with yogurt has not been studied sufficiently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a yogurt enriched water-soluble fiber on the various symptoms of constipation in female adults with functional constipation. RESULTS: We did a double-blind and case-controlled study between two groups (placebo vs. fiber group), which were randomly allocated out of 42 subjects with functional constipation by using Rome II criteria. Bowel habits, daily nutritional intakes and physical activities were determined by using a questionnaire, and the segmental colonic transit time was evaluated three times before treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and at the end of the study (2 weeks after treatment). RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, all defecation symptoms tested, except manual evacuation, showed significant improvements in the fiber group; fiber-enriched yogurt increased the number of bowel movements (P=0.002), reduced the presence of hard stools (P=0.001), improved the frequency of straining (P=0.048), the sense of incomplete evacuation (P= 0.013), and the sense of anorectal obstruction (P= 0.032). The total colonic transit time was shortened after intake of fiber-enriched yogurt (P=0.023). Satisfactory relief was significantly higher in the fiber group (P= 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Functional constipation may be improved with water-soluble fiber supplements in yogurt without serious side effects.