Functional Constipation
Conditions
Keywords
Bifidobacteria, Bristol Stool Scale, Constipation, Diet, Fructooligosacchardes, Microbiota, Oligofructose
Brief summary
Rationale: The dietary short-chain fructooligosaccharides have been shown to increase fecal bacterial mass and fermentation metabolites which might stimulate gut motility. Therefore, these dietary non-digestible carbohydrates might relieve functional constipation. Objective: Study the effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharides on functional constipation. Study design: A 16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over trial with intervention periods of 4 weeks with a run-in period of 4 weeks and a wash-out period of 4 weeks. Study population: Human subjects with functional constipation according to ROMEIII criteria (total n=120; male and female; 18-75 yr). Intervention: Placebo and one out of 3 dosages of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides, (Degree of Polymerisation of 3-5; 2, 4 and 8 g/day) for 4 weeks. scFOS will be given as oral chews. Main study parameters: The primary parameter is the number of complete bowel movements per day in subjects with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria. Secondary outcomes are Stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale), Stool frequency, Severity of symptoms (Constipation Scoring System; CSS) and Quality of Life (Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life; PAC-QoL).
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTsc-FOS 2g/day
Chewing tablets containing Short-chain fructooligosaccharides 2g/day
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTsc-FOS 4g/day
Chewing tablets containing short-chain Fructooligosaccharides 4g/day
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTsc-FOS 8g/day
Chewing tablets containing short-chain Fructooligosaccharides 8g/day
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo
Chewing tablets without short-chain Fructooligosaccharides
Sponsors
Ingredion Incorporated
NIZO Food Research
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18-75 yr * Agree to study design (signed informed consent) * At least two of the following symptoms ≥25% of the time with criteria fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to inclusion (ROME III criteria for functional constipation): * straining, lumpy or hard stool * sensation of incomplete evacuation * sensation of anorectal obstruction ⁄ blockage * use of manual manoeuvres * \<3 bowel movements per week * Availability of internet connection * BMI 20-30 * Male or female * Willingness to abstain from functional ingredients and such as probiotics, prebiotics and foods containing high amounts of fermentable fibers and laxatives starting 1 month prior to start of the study as well as during the washout period.
Exclusion criteria
* Currently participating in another clinical trial * Drug usage * Excessive alcohol usage (\>4 consumptions/day or \>20 consumptions/week) * Pregnancy or lactating * Underlying disease of the GI-tract or previous laparotomy, except cholecystectomy and appendectomy * Use of antibiotics within 1 month prior to inclusion * Vegetarians * Weight loss \> 5 kg within 1 month prior to inclusion
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Stool frequency (Number of complete bowel movements per day) | Change over week 4 and week 12 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale) | Change over week 4 and week 12 |
| Severity of symptoms (Constipation Scoring System; CSS) | Change over week 4 and week 12 |
| Quality of Life (Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life; PAC-QoL) | Change over week 4 and week 12 |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed