title: Effects of chicory inulin in constipated elderly people: a double-blind controlled trial.
abstract: The impact of the daily consumption of 15 g chicory native inulin on fecal levels of bifidobacteria, stool parameters and quality of life of elderly constipated volunteers was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled versus placebo clinical trial. The impact of supplementation on constipation was assessed with questionnaires on bowel motor function parameters, visual analogue scales on bowel symptoms and quality of life. Fecal bacteria counts were determined at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation. Inulin supplementation led to a significant increase in total fecal bacteria (P < 0.01) and bifidobacteria (P < 0.001) concentrations after 28 days of consumption. Volunteers (n = 25) in the inulin group reported increased satisfaction about digestion (P < 0.01) and reduced defecation difficulties (P < 0.001) during the supplementation. Slight gastrointestinal symptoms (flatulence) were reported but did not lead to discontinuation. Daily supplementation with 15 g inulin improves constipation and quality of life in an elderly population with constipation.
authors.affiliation: Medicosurgical Department of Digestive Diseases, AP-HP Lariboisière Hospital and Paris 7 Denis Diderot University, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marteau
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Murielle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cazaubiel
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Signoret
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Prevel
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Housez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018651:Cichorium intybus / Q000737:chemistry*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003248:Constipation / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007444:Inulin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D007444:Inulin