Effects of a probiotic beverage gastrointestinal symptoms and general well-being in patients with chronic constipation

Probiotics are defined living micro organisms which enter the intestine in an active form in sufficient numbers to exert positive effects. During the past ten years, a large number of scientific studies were conducted to conf irm the relationship between the ingestion of probiotic cultures and the pr evention and treatment of various diseases. The effect on gastrointestinal disorders has so far not been sufficiently explored. Constipation could be the most common functional disorder in persons living in the western indust rialized countries. In the present observational study, the effect of a pro biotic beverage containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) was tested in 70 persons with constipation in a double blind, placebo controlled, randomi sed study carried out over a 4-wk period. Ingestion of LcS significantly re duced the severity of constipation and improved bowel movement frequency an d stool consistency, starting in the second week of the study. Occurrence a nd severity of flatulence or of a sensation of repletion were not influence d. No adverse reactions were observed. At the end of the study, 89% of the persons in the verum group reported an improvement of their symptoms. Moreo ver, general well being was distinctly improved in the verum group as compa red with the placebo group. The study results suggest changes in the microb iotic flora and the intestinal milieu. Healthy individuals should also be a ble to benefit from these effects. A modern treatment of constipation shoul d include the administration of probiotic food in addition to a high-fibre diet.