title: Effect of consumption of chicory inulin on bowel function in healthy subjects with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: Constipation is among the most common health impairments in Western countries. This study aimed to determine the effect of the chicory-derived fermentable dietary fiber Orafti®Inulin on stool frequency in healthy subjects with constipation. The study was conducted according to recent guidance documents for investigating bowel function and used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design with a 2-week wash-out phase. Each study period comprised a run-in phase followed by 4 weeks daily intake of 3 × 4g inulin or maltodextrin (placebo). Forty-four healthy volunteers with constipation documented stool frequency and consistency, gastrointestinal characteristics and quality of life. Consumption of Orafti®Inulin significantly increased stool frequency compared to placebo (median 4.0 [IQR 2.5-4.5] versus 3.0 [IQR 2.5-4.0] stools/week, p = 0.038). This was accompanied by a softening of stools and trend toward higher satisfaction versus placebo (p = 0.059). In conclusion, Orafti®Inulin was effective in volunteers with chronic constipation and significantly improved bowel function.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02548247.
authors: a BioTeSys GmbH , Esslingen , Germany.
authors: Antje
authors: A
authors: Micka
authors: a BioTeSys GmbH , Esslingen , Germany.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Siepelmeyer
authors: b BENEO-Institute , Obrigheim , Pfalz, Germany.
authors: Anja
authors: A
authors: Holz
authors: b BENEO-Institute , Obrigheim , Pfalz, Germany.
authors: Stephan
authors: S
authors: Theis
authors: a BioTeSys GmbH , Esslingen , Germany.
authors: Christiane
authors: C
authors: Schön
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018651:Cichorium intybus / Q000737:chemistry*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007444:Inulin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry*; D056692:Prebiotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D056692:Prebiotics; D007444:Inulin
keywords: Dietary fiber; bowel function; constipation; inulin; stool frequency