Yoghurt containing galacto-oligosaccharides, prunes and linseed reduces the severity of mild constipation in elderly subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Constipation is a common problem in the elderly. Dietary fibre is recommended for its treatment. The aim was to examine whether yoghurt containing galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), prunes and linseed relieve constipation in elderly subjects.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study.


METHODS
Free-living subjects.


METHODS
A group of 43 elderly subjects with self-reported constipation (mean age 76 years, range 61-92 years, 32 females, 11 males).


METHODS
The study consisted of a 2-week baseline period and 2, 3-week dietary interventions, with a 2-week wash-out period between the interventions. During the interventions, the subjects ingested, in random order, 260 g/day of either control yoghurt or test yoghurt containing GOS (12 g/day), prunes (12 g/day) and linseed (6 g/day). The use of laxatives was controlled and only allowed after 2 days without defecation.


RESULTS
Defecation frequency was 5.7 times/week during the baseline period. During the test yoghurt period, defecation frequency was higher (8.0 vs 7.1 times/week, P=0.011), defecation was easier (on the scale 0-3, 1.3 vs 1.5, P=0.010), and there was a tendency towards softer stools (on the scale 0-3, 2.1 vs 2.2, P=0.059) compared with the control yoghurt period. The subjects felt that the test yoghurt relieved constipation more effectively than the control yoghurt (P=0.005). The sum of gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between the interventions. The use of laxatives remained constant throughout the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily intake of yoghurt containing GOS, prunes and linseed reduced the severity of constipation in elderly subjects with mild constipation.


BACKGROUND
Valio Ltd, R&D.
Sairanen
U
U
Valio Ltd R&D, Helsinki, Finland.
Piirainen
L
L
Nevala
R
R
Korpela
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D027861:Prunus / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015014:Yogurt / Q000032:analysis*
D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D009844:Oligosaccharides