title: Yacon-Based Product in the Modulation of Intestinal Constipation.
abstract: This study aimed to assess the effects of a yacon-based product (YBP) on constipation in adults, including the elderly. Forty-eight individuals were recruited and divided into equal intervention groups named the test and control groups. The YBP (test) and the control (maltodextrin) were dissolved in commercial orange juice. The volunteers for the YBP/test group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 10 g fructooligosaccharide (FOS)/inulin per day. The control group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 25 g of maltodextrin. The study had a span of 30 days. We evaluated the participants' frequency of evacuation, consistency of the feces, constipation score, abdominal symptoms (flatulence, pain, and abdominal strain), and effects upon the microbiota, pH, lactate, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of the feces. The study showed an increased number of evacuations after the consumption of the YBP as well as an improvement in the consistency of the feces and a reduction in the constipation score. After 30 days of intervention, the group that consumed the YBP showed higher counts of Bifidobacterium, lower Clostridium and enterobacteria counts, and lower fecal pH. In relation to SCFAs, no significant change was found after the intervention. However, the lactate concentration was higher in the test group when compared to the post-treatment control group. The YBP was effective in improving constipation symptoms; not only was its functional characteristic in reducing constipation symptoms evident but it also demonstrated usefulness as a potential therapy.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Sergipe/UFS , São Cristovão, Sergipe, Brazil .
authors.forename: Mônica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Souza Lima Sant'Anna
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Viçosa/UFV , Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil .
authors.forename: Vivian Carolina
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Viçosa/UFV , Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil .
authors.forename: Tatiane Ferreira
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, Federal University of Viçosa/UFV , Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil .
authors.forename: Tânia Toledo
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Nutrition and Health, Federal University of Viçosa/UFV , Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil .
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Viçosa/UFV , Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil .
authors.forename: Célia Lúcia
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: de Luces Fortes Ferreira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000254:growth & development; D003013:Clostridium / Q000254:growth & development; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000254:growth & development; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D007444:Inulin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D064307:Microbiota; D008875:Middle Aged; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056692:Prebiotics; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D056692:Prebiotics; C535244:yacon syrup; D019344:Lactic Acid; D007444:Inulin
keywords: constipation; functional food; prebiotics; yacon