Systematic review of randomised controlled trials: probiotics for functional constipation.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate and update evidence on the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation for the treatment of constipation.


METHODS
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in May 2009 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) performed in paediatric or adult populations related to the study aim.


RESULTS
We included five RCTs with a total of 377 subjects (194 in the experimental group and 183 in the control group). The participants were adults (three RCTs, n = 266) and children (two RCTs, n = 111) with constipation. In adults, data suggests a favourable effect of treatment with Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on defecation frequency and stool consistency. In children, L. casei rhamnosus Lcr35, but not L. rhamnosus GG, showed a beneficial effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Until more data are available, we believe the use of probiotics for the treatment of constipation condition should be considered investigational.
Chmielewska
Anna
A
Department of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, 01-184 Warsaw, Dzialdowska 1, Poland.
Szajewska
Hania
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019936:Probiotics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D035703:Therapies, Investigational / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult