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Evaluation of the Effect of Chicory Inulin-type Fructans in Constipated Adults

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Constipation - Functional
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: chicory inulin-type fructan
Registration Number
NCT05447481
Lead Sponsor
Sensus
Brief Summary

Constipation is common in the general population, especially in women and in the elderly, which can significantly affect quality of life of the individual. There is a general consumer trend to seek natural food options, also when addressing health issues such as constipation. Consumers seek tasty options and there is a paucity of tasty functional foods to address constipation. Adding natural fiber to food, like inulin-type fructans from chicory root fiber, can increase fiber intake and potentially prevent or resolve constipation issues. This study aimed to increase the body of scientific data on inulin-type fructans by way of a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Maltodextrin was used as the placebo in this study.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Able to give written informed consent
  • Between 18 and 75 years of age
  • Have functional constipation according to the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria
  • Subjects were to continue on their normal diet and agreed to not take probiotic or prebiotic products/supplements and supplemental dietary fibres for the duration of the study
  • The subject agrees to complete the Patient Diary for two weeks prior to study entry and for the duration of the study
  • Subject is in general good health as determined by the investigator.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Subjects less than 18 and greater than 75 years of age
  • Females who are pregnant, lactating or wish to become pregnant during the study.
  • Subjects who are hypersensitive to any of the components of the test product,
  • Subjects who have an obstructive or metabolic aetiology for constipation,
  • Subjects who have a history of laxative abuse (greater than the daily dosage recommended on the label for any laxative),
  • Subjects currently taking supplemental dietary fibres or have taken them within two weeks of the screening visit,
  • Subjects who are taking a probiotic or prebiotic product/supplement or had taken them within two weeks of the screening visit

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Chicory inulin-type fructan - placebochicory inulin-type fructanDietary supplement: chicory inulin-type fructan Placebo: maltodextrin
Placebo - chicory inulin-type fructanchicory inulin-type fructanPlacebo: maltodextrin Dietary Supplement: chicory inulin-type fructan
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in stool frequencyDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the impact of chicory inulin-type fructan on stool frequency in constipated subjects.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Patient Assessment of Constipation SymptomsDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the effect of chicory inulin-type fructans on constipation symptoms using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire.

Physical activityDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the physical activity of the subjects using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

Resort to laxativesDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the resort to laxatives of the subjects

Change in stool consistencyDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the effect of chicory inulin-type fructans on stool consistency in constipated subjects.

Quality of life using the PAC-QOL questionnaireDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the effect of chicory inulin-type fructans on quality of life using the PAC-QOL questionnaire

Gut microbiota compositionDuring the 12 week intervention period

Determine the effect of chicory inulin-type fructans on gut microbiota composition

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