A controlled dietary trial for improving bowel function in a group of training centre residents with severe or profound intellectual disability

Abstract

A nutritional assessment project at a training centre for people with intellectual disability identified chronic constipation as a problem. Thirty-seven residents with bowel dysfunction took part in the study. Estimates of fibre and fluid intakes yielded mean intakes of 18.6g fibre per day (range 14-23g) and 2.2 litres of fluid (range 1.8-2.4 litres). A randomly selected sample received 7g additional dietary fibre per day for two weeks in the form of a dietary supplement. During the experimental period, those not receiving the supplement experienced a significant reduction in the number of bowel motions and a worsening of stool texture, while those receiving the supplement did not. Results suggest that, even when there is chronic constipation, dietary intervention may be warranted.