Probiotics: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Constipation in the Elderly

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition that affects individuals of all ages, but it is particularly prevalent among older adults. A clinical trial recently conducted evaluated the efficacy and safety of multistrain probiotics on functional constipation and laboratory blood parameters in elderly individuals residing in a nursing home.

Clinical trial

The study included 60 participants, with a mean age of 77.9 years, who suffered from functional constipation. The participants were divided into two groups: one group was given a selected probiotic mixture, while the other group was given a placebo. 

The study followed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, and each participant received either the probiotic mixture or placebo for 12 weeks in addition to their usual diet and medications. The study results showed that the probiotic group had a slight but nonsignificant increase in cumulative stool frequency compared to the placebo group.

However, after the 71st day of the treatment, the cumulative number of stools was significantly higher in the probiotic group when the influence of laxatives was excluded. The trend towards an increase in the difference between the two groups, which began one week after the probiotic intervention, pointed out their prolonged effect.

Additionally, the probiotics were found to be safe and well-tolerated in the elderly participants, with no significant dependent or independent effects of treatment and time on most of the 27 laboratory blood parameters tested.

This clinical trial provides evidence that multistrain probiotics can be an effective and safe treatment for constipation in the elderly. The results are significant as constipation is a common condition among older individuals, and many of the available treatments have undesirable side effects.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. The probiotic strains used in this clinical trial have been shown to have various health benefits, including regulating gut microbiota, improving gastrointestinal function, and enhancing immunity.

The use of probiotics in the elderly population can also help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common problem in this age group. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when the normal gut microbiota is disrupted by antibiotic use, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics can help to restore the balance of gut microbiota, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

Multistrain probiotics have been found to be an effective and safe treatment for constipation in the elderly population. The probiotic strains used in this clinical trial have various health benefits and have been shown to improve gastrointestinal function, enhance immunity, and regulate gut microbiota. With minimal side effects, probiotics can be an excellent alternative to traditional constipation treatments in the elderly population.