title: Microbiota benefits after inulin and partially hydrolized guar gum supplementation: a randomized clinical trial in constipated women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prebiotics positively affect gut microbiota composition, thus improving gut function. These properties may be useful for the treatment of constipation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the tolerance and effectiveness of a prebiotic inulin/partially hydrolyzed guar gum mixture (I-PHGG) for the treatment of constipation in females, as well as its influence on the composition of intestinal microbiota and production of short chain fatty acids.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our study enrolled 60 constipated female health worker volunteers. Participants reported less than 3 bowel movements per week. Volunteers were randomized to treatment with prebiotic or placebo. Treatment consisted of 3 weeks supplementation with 15 g/d IPHGG (fiber group) or maltodextrin (placebo group). Abdominal discomfort, flatulence, stool consistency, and bowel movements were evaluated by a recorded daily questionnaire and a weekly interview. Changes in fecal bacterial population and short chain fatty acids were assessed by real-time PCR and gas chromatography, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was an increased frequency of weekly bowel movements and patient satisfaction in both the fiber and placebo groups with no significant differences. Total Clostridium sp significantly decreased in the fiber group (p = 0.046) and increased in the placebo group (p = 0.047). There were no changes in fecal short chain fatty acid profile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consumption of I-PHGG produced clinical results comparable to placebo in constipated females, but had additional protective effects on gut microbiota by decreasing the amount of pathological bacteria of the Clostridium genera.
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Surgical Gastroenterology Discipline (LIM 35), São Paulo, Brazil. dan.waitzberg@gmail.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Linetzky Waitzberg
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Alves Pereira
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Logullo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Manzoni Jacintho
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Ma L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Teixeira da Silva
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Matos de Miranda Torrinhas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005685:Galactans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D007444:Inulin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008351:Mannans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054892:Metagenome / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053149:Plant Gums / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056692:Prebiotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D005685:Galactans; D008351:Mannans; D053149:Plant Gums; D056692:Prebiotics; D007444:Inulin; C007894:guar gum