Randomized trial comparing 2 fiber regimens for the reduction of symptoms of constipation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

: This study aimed to compare the effects of a special bowel recipe with psyllium on symptoms of constipation.

METHODS:

: Women with symptoms of constipation were randomized to 6 weeks of either psyllium or a special bowel recipe. Patients completed a constipation scoring questionnaire and recorded characteristics of each bowel movement.

RESULTS:

: A total of 53 participants completed prestudy and poststudy constipation scoring questionnaires. Both groups demonstrated improvement in constipation scores (psyllium: 13.9 ± 4.7 to 9.0 ± 4.6, P < 0.001; recipe: 13.6 ± 4.1 to 8.5 ± 5.0, P < 0.001). Mean differences in pretreatment and posttreatment constipation scores were not statistically different between the 2 groups.Subjects taking the bowel recipe strained only 20% of the time compared with those using psyllium who strained 57% of the time (P = 0.007). Other symptoms improved from baseline, but the majority was not different between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

: The bowel recipe demonstrated no significant difference in efficacy to pure fiber.

• Authors: Margaret A Hull, Donald D McIntire, Shanna D Atnip, Julie Dreadin, Mikio A Nihira, Peter G Drewes, Joseph I Schaffer, Clifford Y Wai
• Journal: Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery (Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg) Vol. 17 Issue 3 Pg. 128-33 (May 2011) ISSN: 2151-8378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 22453784 (Publication Type: Journal Article)