The use of inulin-type fructans improves stool consistency in constipated children. A randomised clinical trial: pilot study

Abstract

Background: Constipation is a common disorder in children. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the beneficial effects of a daily supplementation with Orafti V R inulin-type fructans in 2-5 year old constipated children. Methods: Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel group trial where constipated children received two doses of 2 g Orafti V R inulin-type fructans (OF:IN) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Primary outcome was stool consistency. Secondary outcomes were stool frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: Twenty-two children were included, 17 completed the study protocol (nine and eight for the control and the OF:IN group, respectively). Results showed that Orafti V R inulin-type fructans supplemented children had softer stools (p ¼ .003). The longitudinal analysis showed no significant changes in controls, whereas supplemented children increased their stool consistency from 2.2 to 2.6 on the modified Bristol scale for children (five items instead of seven) (p ¼ .040). Conclusions: Prebiotic inulin-type fructans supplementation improves stool consistency in constipated 2-5-year old children.

Impact of the addition of Lactobacillus casei and oligofructose on the quality parameters of orange juice and hibiscus tea mixed beverage

“…The maintenance of the prebiotic content indicate that the probiotic cultures did not use oligofructose in the metabolism and the prebiotic component was stable to the refrigerated storage. Considering the recommended daily intake of 2–4 g of oligofructose and the minimum of 2.5 g per portion (200 ml), both beverages could be considered prebiotic products (Anvisa Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ; Closa‐Monasterolo et al, ; Souza et al, ).…”

“…The formulations containing oligofructose (PRE and SYN) were added with 20 g/L of the prebiotic component. This concentration was based on Brazilian legislation (minimum of 2.5 g per serving of 200 ml) (Anvisa Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ), and in the minimum daily consumption suggested for prebiotic components (2–4 g) (Closa‐Monasterolo et al, ).…”

“…otic component was stable to the refrigerated storage. Considering the recommended daily intake of 2-4 g of oligofructose and the minimum of 2.5 g per portion (200 ml), both beverages could be considered prebiotic products (Anvisa Agência Nacional de VigilânciaSanitária, 2016;Closa-Monasterolo et al, 2017;Souza et al, 2017).…”

Pea Hull Fiber: A Dietary Fiber to Modulate Gastrointestinal Function and Gut Microbiota

“…Because both pea hull fiber and inulin were provided to the participants, the results cannot be attributed specifically to either fiber. However, inulin has not been shown to affect stool frequency in similarly sized trials (4,45), and thus, pea hull fiber, which is high in insoluble fiber, may have exerted this effect. In a small trial of adults with CKD, providing 1 muffin containing 10 g of pea hull fiber per day resulted in a significant increase in stool frequency (42).…”

Randomized clinical trial: Effects of Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract on symptoms, fecal microbiota and fecal metabolite profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

“…Up to 50% of IBS patients have been reported to take a recourse to alternative therapies including the use of medicinal foods, plants, and herbal products, 2,3 such as peppermint oil, 4 multi‐herbal preparation STW 5, 5 and Aloe, 6,7 despite limited numbers of controlled clinical studies supporting superiority of these treatment options relative to placebo 8,9 . Also, inulin, a fermentable fiber with suggested prebiotic properties, has shown potential to improve gastrointestinal health, 10‐12 although its effect in IBS is unknown.…”