EFFICACY OF INULIN ENRICHED YOGURT ON BOWEL HABITS IN PATIENTS WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH CONSTIPATION: A PILOT STUDY.

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe regular consumption of fermented milk beverages gives some beneficial effects in patients with constipation. Inulin is considered as prebiotic agent with therapeutic properties. Fermented milk products are a good‐vehicle to deliver the prebiotic to consumers and may enhance their effects on a bowel motor function.AIMS & METHODSThe aim of this study to assess the effects of the yogurt, enriched by inulin (1.23g/100g) on symptoms and stool indices in subjects with IBS with constipation (IBS‐C). Forty patients with IBS‐C according to the Rome III criteria were enrolled into the open randomized parallel group study. These patients were randomly assigned to either inulin yogurt therapy group (125 ml enriched yogurt twice a day for 2 wk) or a standard yogurt control group. Pre‐and post treatment measurements included 5‐items Likert scale of complaints (abdominal pain, bloating, uncompleted bowel emptying), stool frequency and Bristol Stool Form Scale for assessing stool consistency. Orocecal transit time were assessed using lactulose H2‐breath test. Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used for assessing changes from baseline.RESULTSInulin enriched yogurt demonstrated a consistent benefit quantitatively in stool frequency as well as a significant improvement in Bristol Stool Form Scale, satisfaction with bowel habits and reduce main complaints (table 1). The transit time significantly redused only in inulin group. All patients tolerated this yogurt well.CONCLUSIONThe inulin enriched yogurt reduces bowel transit time and increase Bristol Stool Form Scale score in patients with IBS‐C in compare to traditional yogurt. These data warrants the need to perform large double‐blinded randomized controlled study.