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The following is a summary of “Supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients with chronic functional constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial,” published in the November 2024 issue of Gastroenterology by Lora et al.
Chronic functional constipation (CFC) is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms without identifiable physical causes. The high prevalence necessitates alternative treatment options.
Researchers conducted a prospective study to assess the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients with CFC.
They involved n=74 patients diagnosed with CFC. Participants were divided into 4 groups, Group A (probiotics), Group B (prebiotics), Group C (synbiotics), and Group D (placebo). The data were collected using questionnaires and scales, including the Bristol stool scale, and patients were treated for 8 weeks to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel movements, and sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics.
The results showed that stool frequency increased in all groups, with the greatest increase observed in the synbiotics group (2.8 ± 1.3 vs. 5.9 ± 2.6; P<0.001). Stool consistency improved only in active treatment groups. Participants receiving prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics reported significant improvements in abdominal pain (8.28 ± 2.63 vs. 6.56 ± 2.62; P=0.009), gastroesophageal reflux (4.60 ± 2.66 vs. 3.45 ± 2.42; P=0.039), and constipation symptoms (13.00 ± 3.97 vs. 8.71 ± 3.35; P=0.003), respectively, QoL improvements were most notable in physical health domains, with a placebo effect.
They concluded that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics significantly improved symptoms of CFC after 8 weeks of treatment.
Source: academic.oup.com/gastro/article/doi/10.1093/gastro/goae101/7889427
