Water supplementation enhances the effect of high-fiber diet on stool frequency and laxative consumption in adult patients with functional constipation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-fiber diet and fluid supplementation in patients with functional chronic constipation.


METHODS
One hundred and seventeen patients with chronic functional constipation (aged 18-50 years) were randomly divided into two treatment groups. For two months both groups consumed a standard diet providing approximately 25 g fiber per day. Group 1 (58 patients) was allowed ad libitum fluid intake, while Group 2 was instructed to drink 2 liters of mineral water per day. Compliance was monitored throughout the study and results were assessed in terms of bowel-movement frequency and laxative use.


RESULTS
Fiber intake was similar in the two groups, while total daily fluid intake in Group 2 (mean 2.1 liters) was significantly greater than that of Group 1 (1.1 liters)(p < 0.001). In both groups, there were statistically significant increases in stool frequency and decreases in laxative use during the two-month trial, but both changes were greater in Group 2 (stool frequency: p < 0.001 vs. Group 1; laxative use: p < 0.001 vs Group 1).


CONCLUSIONS
A daily fiber intake of 25 g can increase stool frequency in patients with chronic functional constipation, and this effect can be significantly enhanced by increasing fluid intake to 1.5-2.0 liters/day.
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome.
M
M
Anti
G
G
Pignataro
A
A
Armuzzi
A
A
Valenti
E
E
Iascone
R
R
Marmo
A
A
Lamazza
A R
AR
Pretaroli
V
V
Pace
P
P
Leo
A
A
Castelli
G
G
Gasbarrini
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004326:Drinking; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber