Effect of polydextrose-containing beverage on bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms of constipated subjects: a pilot study

Reinaldo Christian, . and Istiftiani Nourmatania, . and Susanto Fendy, . and Kurniawan Mohamad Yulianto, . and Heryati Lilis, . Effect of polydextrose-containing beverage on bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms of constipated subjects: a pilot study. pp. 353-367. ISSN 1394–035X

Introduction: Indonesians have a low intake of dietary fibre a key component for an increased incidence in constipation. Available data have documented the benefits of polydextrose (PDX) in healthy subjects. However data on constipated subjects are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effect of consuming a PDX (prebiotic) beverage on bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms of constipated subjects over seven days. Methods: This was a randomised non-blinded nonplacebo-controlled parallel design study involving 24 subjects divided equally into two groups. Group A (active control group) consisted of 12 subjects consuming one serving size of 6g PDX beverage. While Group B (intervention group) consisted of 12 subjects consuming two servings of the same product containing 12g PDX beverage. Changes in bowel habits (constipation score stool frequency and stool consistency) and gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain bloating and flatulence) were monitored. Results: Within seven days Group B showed 4.9 more reduction in overall constipation mean score than that of Group A. Positive improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms were reported: i.e. abdominal pain (M -0.080.43) bloating (M -0.290.37) and flatulence (M -0.170.47). Majority of subjects had desirable stool frequency (87.5 3 defecations/week) and stool consistency (58.3 type 4). These improvements were due to the fact that PDX provides physiological effects consistent with prebiotic fibre which alters the gut microbiota composition during the fermentation cycle in the large intestine. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggested that daily PDX beverage consumption effectively improved bowel habits with fewer constipated subjects reporting of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/26-3/V...

Abstract

Introduction: Indonesians have a low intake of dietary fibre a key component for an increased incidence in constipation. Available data have documented the benefits of polydextrose (PDX) in healthy subjects. However data on constipated subjects are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effect of consuming a PDX (prebiotic) beverage on bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms of constipated subjects over seven days. Methods: This was a randomised non-blinded nonplacebo-controlled parallel design study involving 24 subjects divided equally into two groups. Group A (active control group) consisted of 12 subjects consuming one serving size of 6g PDX beverage. While Group B (intervention group) consisted of 12 subjects consuming two servings of the same product containing 12g PDX beverage. Changes in bowel habits (constipation score stool frequency and stool consistency) and gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain bloating and flatulence) were monitored. Results: Within seven days Group B showed 4.9 more reduction in overall constipation mean score than that of Group A. Positive improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms were reported: i.e. abdominal pain (M -0.080.43) bloating (M -0.290.37) and flatulence (M -0.170.47). Majority of subjects had desirable stool frequency (87.5 3 defecations/week) and stool consistency (58.3 type 4). These improvements were due to the fact that PDX provides physiological effects consistent with prebiotic fibre which alters the gut microbiota composition during the fermentation cycle in the large intestine. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggested that daily PDX beverage consumption effectively improved bowel habits with fewer constipated subjects reporting of gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Gastrointestinal system
AGROVOC Term:	Constipation
AGROVOC Term:	Functional disorders
AGROVOC Term:	Function testing (diagnosis)
AGROVOC Term:	Beverages
AGROVOC Term:	Dextrose
AGROVOC Term:	Dietary fibres
AGROVOC Term:	Symptoms
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/9774

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