Constipation is a common complaint; it is associated with low fibre diets, sedentary life-styles, inadequate fluid intake, anxiety and the use of some medications. It is more prevalent among the elderly, and can significantly affect the quality of life of older people.  

The role of probiotic bacteria, which ferment fibre, in managing constipation in elderly people has not been studied. A study just published in the Nutrition Journal has found that probiotic supplementation can increase defecation frequency and stool weight among constipated nursing home residents.

Nineteen elderly subjects suffering from chronic constipation were assigned to receive a probiotic bacteria supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pediococcus  pentosaceus, and  Bifidobacterium  longum), which were administered 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner for 2 weeks. Subjects completed a questionnaire on defecation habits (frequency of defecation, amount and state of stool). Faecal samples from the subjects were taken before and after the intervention. 15 subjects were currently  receiving treatment such  as laxatives and/or enemas.

There was a significant increase in the frequency of defecation and the weight of stool excreted among the participants.  The number of subjects emptying their bowels only once in three days decreased from 11 to 6. The number of subjects emptying their bowels once a day increased from 4 to  6. 

The authors concluded: “The  present  study  demonstrated  that  LAB  [lactic acid bacteria] improves  defecation  habit  (frequency  of  defecation,  amount  and  state  of  stool)  in  nursing  home  residents  with  chronic constipation.  In  addition,  this  LAB  improved  the  balance  the  intestinal microflora, which  exert  beneficial  effects  by  decreasing  harmful  enzymes  activities  such  as trytophanase  and  urease”.

Click here to read the study.