A study of fructo oligosaccharides in the prevention of travellers' diarrhoea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Prebiotic carbohydrates selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the human colon. These bacteria form part of the gut's inherent defence against invading pathogens.

AIM:

To test the effectiveness of fructo oligosaccharides in preventing travellers' diarrhoea.

METHODS:

A total of 244 healthy subjects, travelling to high and medium risk destinations for travellers' diarrhoea, took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The protocol comprised a preliminary week for recording bowel habit by diary, a 2-week pre-holiday period with the diary and consumption of 10 g of fructo oligosaccharides or placebo daily, followed by a 2-week holiday with continuation of treatment and diary. A post-study questionnaire was completed by all subjects on their return to the UK.

RESULTS:

The consumption of fructo oligosaccharides led to a small (6%; P < 0.02) increase in stool frequency in the pre-holiday period and gave a significantly better sense of 'well-being' during the holiday, although subjects reported more flatulence. There were non-significant decreases in episodes of diarrhoea with 20% on placebo and 11% on fructo oligosaccharides recording episodes in the post-study questionnaire (P=0.08) and 46% placebo, 38% fructo oligosaccharides recording episodes in the diary (P > 0.1). No change in bowel frequency, consistency or stool size was recorded.

CONCLUSION:

Travel to high risk areas increases diarrhoea. Fructo oligosaccharides alone are not sufficient to prevent this, although do have some benefits for the subjects.

• Authors: J H Cummings, S Christie, T J Cole
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 15 Issue 8 Pg. 1139-45 (Aug 2001) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 11472316 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Oligosaccharides
• Fructose

Topics

• Bifidobacterium (physiology)
• Diarrhea (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Double-Blind Method
• Feces
• Female
• Flatulence
• Fructose (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Intestines (microbiology)
• Lactobacillus (physiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Oligosaccharides (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Travel
• Treatment Outcome