Beneficial effects of resistant starch on laxation in healthy adults.
OBJECTIVE
This randomized, double-blind crossover trial evaluated the effects of a type 3 novel resistant starch (RS) versus wheat bran (WB) on faecal weight, frequency, and consistency in healthy adults.


METHODS
Following a 14-day baseline period during which subjects (n=14) consumed low-fibre (<2 g) test products, participants were assigned to receive 25 g RS or WB fibre daily for 14 days, then crossed over to the opposite treatment after a 7-day washout.


RESULTS
Daily faecal output increased from 128.8+/-68.7 g at baseline to 164.2+/-88.4 g with RS and 194.5+/-92.0 g with WB (both P<0.02 versus baseline). No significant differences among the three conditions were observed for bowel movement frequency. Faecal consistency ratings were increased with WB (P=0.001), but unchanged with RS.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary RS and WB increase faecal output in healthy adults.
Maki
Kevin C
KC
Provident Clinical Research, Bloomington, Indiana and Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA. kmaki@providentcrc.com
Sanders
Lisa M
LM
Reeves
Matthew S
MS
Kaden
Valerie N
VN
Rains
Tia M
TM
Cartwright
Yolanda
Y
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D055951:Functional Food / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000502:physiology; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry; D013213:Starch / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D054368:Laxatives; D013213:Starch