A Study to Evaluate the Effects of a Natural Supplement in Adults With Chronic Functional Constipation

Constipation is a common condition. Perception of a healthy bowel movement varies widely within and among populations but the Rome III Criteria is a standardised tool that diagnoses functional constipation on the basis of the following symptoms for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis:

1. Must include two or more of the following:

• Straining during at least 25% of defecations
• Lumpy or hard stools in at least 25% of defecations
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation for at least 25% of defecations
• Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage for at least 25% of defecations
• Manual manoeuvres to facilitate at least 25% of defecations (e.g., digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor)
• Fewer than three defecations per week

1. Loose stools are rarely present without the use of laxatives
2. Insufficient criteria for irritable bowel syndrome

Additional to being extremely uncomfortable, untreated constipation can lead to faecal impaction (with resulting faecal incontinence), particularly in elderly and confused people and is believed to be a risk factor for haemorrhoids (piles) and diverticular disease. However even without a medical diagnosis the undesired symptoms can reduce perceived quality of life and successful management may involve a number of factors. Standard treatment consists of disimpaction and the administration of laxatives to achieve a normal bowel habit of passing a soft stool without pain. The daily use of laxatives long term is often advised against as it can make your body dependent on them, causing your bowel to no longer function normally.

Stool softening is a physician's first step in the management of chronic constipation. Psyllium has been shown to soften stools by increasing stool water content, far more than most common dietary fibres. It forms a soft gel which eases the stool along the lower digestive tract ready for evacuation. This bulkier faeces presses on the wall of the intestine, stimulating the muscles to contract and force the contents forward, a process known as 'peristalsis'. If there is insufficient fibre in the diet, the faeces will move more slowly and there will be more time for water to be absorbed from the ingested food into the rest of the body, leaving the faeces smaller and harder, which in turn is more difficult to move. Psyllium has the advantage of being much gentler than some common fibres (such as wheat bran) that can be irritating to a sensitive bowel.

Studies using psyllium in a range of doses of 7g up to 24g a day show positive results in relation to increasing stool frequency and weight, and improving stool consistency, in turn improving associated abdominal pain and discomfort. These results were applicable in both adults and the elderly. Although psyllium works in a much more gentle natural way, in some studies it was seen to be superior to or comparative to commonly used laxatives.

Probiotics had the added advantage of improving stool frequency and consistency and accompanying abdominal pain, most likely by their positive effects on the gut microflora often seen to be imbalanced in those with constipation. These effects were seen in infants, adults and the elderly with no adverse events such inducing loose stools.

Lastly, inulin in a range of doses of 1.5g up to 50g a day was seen to improve not only beneficial bacteria counts but also bowel transit in infants, adults and the elderly and in one study was again seen to be more effective than a common laxative but without the side effects.

This study aims to increase the body of scientific data on psyllium by way of a randomised, placebo-controlled study.