title: Effects of Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Constipation in Elderly Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.
abstract: ♦
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) exhibit soluble-fiber properties that beneficially affect bowel function and relieve constipation. The effects of FOS supplementation on constipation and biochemical parameters were examined in elderly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. ♦
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was performed in elderly CAPD patients (5 males and 4 females) with chronic constipation. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 20 g FOS or placebo daily for 30 days. After a 14-day washout period, the patients were switched to the other substance for 1 more month. Before and after each treatment period, frequency of defecation, characteristics of feces, and colonic transit were evaluated. Biochemical parameters were also assessed. ♦
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fructo-oligosaccharides significantly increased the frequency of defecation (10.5 ± 2.0 vs 6.2 ± 1.4 times per week, p < 0.005) and changed the feces' appearance from type 1 (nut-like) to type 4 (sausage-like). The colonic transit determined by geometric center (GC) was augmented after FOS supplementation (3.9 ± 0.3 vs 3.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.05). Fructo-oligosaccharides had no effects on biochemical parameters. Fructo-oligosaccharides caused mild discomforts which were well tolerated after dose adjustment. ♦
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation is effective, well tolerated, and can be an alternative to other laxatives in CAPD patients with constipation. Further studies are needed to better assess the biochemical effects of FOS in the chronic kidney disease population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand Cell-based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Kulwara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meksawan
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chorsakon
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chaotrakul
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Bassett Medical Center and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Cooperstown, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Napat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Leeaphorn
authors.affiliation: Gastrointestinal Motility Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology.
authors.forename: Suthep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gonlchanvit
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine.
authors.forename: Somchai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eiam-Ong
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine Kidney and Metabolic Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand golfnephro@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Talerngsak
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanjanabuch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D009844:Oligosaccharides; C116580:fructooligosaccharide
keywords: CAPD; Fructo-oligosaccharides; colonic transit; constipation; elderly; nutritional status