Effects of resistant maltodextrin on bowel movements: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

It is well known that dietary fiber helps to relieve and prevent constipation, and there are a number of scientific papers, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effects of naturally derived dietary fiber on bowel movements. In recent years, there has been an increase in the manufacture of dietary fiber ingredients obtained from food raw materials, and these are now commonly available in the market. Resistant maltodextrin (RMD), a soluble dietary fiber, is manufactured from starch, and industrially produced soluble dietary fiber is used worldwide. While there are many reports on the effects of RMD on bowel movements, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been reported. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the effect of RMD on bowel movements based on stool frequency and stool volume. We also investigated the subjective evaluation of RMD effects on bowel movements. Of a total of 314 potentially relevant articles, 28 articles met the eligibility criteria, and 29 randomized controlled trials were identified. As a result of integration analyses, we found that the intake of RMD significantly increased stool volume and stool frequency compared with placebo intake. Furthermore, RMD intake tended to improve sensation of complete/incomplete evacuation. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that RMD has a positive effect on bowel movements, contributing to normal bowel function. This finding will help in the development of new criteria for choice of dietary fiber in the process of developing food products.

Pyrodextrin enhances intestinal function through changing the intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism in early weaned piglets

“…Non-digestible and functional carbohydrates are commonly referred to as dietary fiber, which provide health benefits such as intestinal motility (Watanabe et al 2018) and intestinal immune functions (Fastinger et al 2008;Miyazato et al 2016). Heating starch, occasionally with acid, causes a modification of polymer structures, thus resulting in different characteristics such as solubility in cold water, decreased viscosity, and resistance to alpha-amylase.…”

Production and Properties of Starch Citrates—Current Research

“…The appropriate intake of the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber ensures multiple health benefits both in the prophylaxis and treatment of many diseases [ 17 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ]. Dietary fiber and its resistant starch fraction are nutrients for the symbiotic intestinal flora; they stimulate its growth (e.g., in the case of Ruminococcus bromii , bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli) while inhibit the growth of opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., clostrnidium) [ 66 , 73 , 74 ].…”

“…Fermentation of dietary fiber leads to the formation of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), i.e., butyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and hexanoic acid [ 73 , 75 ]. A higher content of SCFAs decreases the pH value of colonic digesta [ 66 , 68 ], enhances mucin synthesis, ensures better tightness of the intestinal barrier [ 63 , 71 ], regulates the composition and numbers of intestinal microflora, reduces the inflammatory conditions (e.g., in kidneys of type 2 diabetic patients) [ 71 ], and enhances vitamin D3 synthesis [ 68 , 71 ]. The mentioned properties of fiber have also been confirmed in the case of the citrate that consist of the RS4 type of starch.…”

Effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets on bowel movements in young Korean women with functional constipation

“…In general, fiber supplements are recommended to increase the fiber consumption of constipation patients. However, recent clinical studies have reported that high fiber diets, especially those in which the fiber is consumed as supplements, can cause intestinal discomfort such as convulsive abdominal pain and gas production, and even constipation or fecal impaction [6][7][8][9]. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported that although dietary fiber increased the number of bowel movements in constipation patients, it was unclear whether it improved fecal consistency [6,8,9].…”

“…However, recent clinical studies have reported that high fiber diets, especially those in which the fiber is consumed as supplements, can cause intestinal discomfort such as convulsive abdominal pain and gas production, and even constipation or fecal impaction [6][7][8][9]. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported that although dietary fiber increased the number of bowel movements in constipation patients, it was unclear whether it improved fecal consistency [6,8,9]. Previous reports have discussed the relevance of fiber supplements to complement a lack of natural dietary fiber intake, such as resistant maltodextrin, beta-glucan, psyllium, inulin, cellulose, and konjac glucomannan, to bowel movements [7,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”