title: Effect of probiotics on constipation, fecal azoreductase activity and fecal mucin content in the elderly.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects, probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and reduce fecal enzyme activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Elderly subjects (n = 28) were enrolled in an open parallel study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: 1 control group receiving juice; 1 group receiving juice supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri, and 1 group receiving juice supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. During the first 3 weeks all subjects consumed unsupplemented juice. In the subsequent 4 weeks, the subjects received their designated juice. During the last 3 weeks, all subjects again received unsupplemented juice. From the subjects, defecation frequency, laxative use, fecal pH, mucin content and azoreductase activity were assessed during the last week of each period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subjects receiving the L. rhamnosus/P. freudenreichii-supplemented juice exhibited a 24% increase in defecation frequency. However, no reduction in laxative use was observed. The fecal azoreductase activity was also significantly reduced in this group. No changes in fecal pH or mucin excretion were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some relief from constipation may be observed with the combination of L. rhamnosus/P. freudenreichii. This probiotic combination also reduced fecal enzyme activity. The tested probiotics did not affect the mucosal barrier.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, Finland. arthur.ouwehand@utu.fi
authors.forename: Arthur C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ouwehand
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lagström
authors.forename: Tarja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suomalainen
authors.forename: Seppo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salminen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005243:Feces / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D007422:Intestines / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008297:Male; D009077:Mucins / Q000187:drug effects*; D009247:NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases / Q000187:drug effects*; D009601:Nitroreductases; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011424:Propionibacterium; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D009077:Mucins; D009247:NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases; D009601:Nitroreductases; C021106:azoreductase