Randomized trial comparing 2 fiber regimens for the reduction of symptoms of constipation

Margaret A. Hull, Donald D. McIntire, Shanna D. Atnip, Julie Dreadin, Mikio A. Nihira, Peter G. Drewes, Joseph I. Schaffer, Clifford Y. Wai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of a special bowel recipe with psyllium on symptoms of constipation. Methods: Women with symptoms of constipation were randomized to 6 weeks of either psyllium or a special bowel recipe. Patients completed a constipation scoring questionnaire and recorded characteristics of each bowel movement. Results: A total of 53 participants completed prestudy and poststudy constipation scoring questionnaires. Both groups demonstrated improvement in constipation scores (psyllium: 13.9 ± 4.7 to 9.0 ± 4.6, P < 0.001; recipe: 13.6 ± 4.1 to 8.5 ± 5.0, P < 0.001).Mean differences in pretreatment and posttreatment constipation scores were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Subjects taking the bowel recipe strained only 20% of the time compared with those using psyllium who strained 57% of the time (P = 0.007). Other symptoms improved from baseline, but the majority was not different between treatment groups. Conclusions: The bowel recipe demonstrated no significant difference in efficacy to pure fiber.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)128-133
Number of pages6
JournalFemale Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Bowel recipe
  • Bristol Stool Form Scale
  • Konsyl
  • Psyllium
  • Wheat bran

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology

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