Psyllium fiber good option for relieving chronic constipation, study finds

UK: In a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was shown that psyllium fiber was the most effective in treating chronic constipation.

According to the researchers, chronic constipation, which affects roughly 12% of individuals, is difficult to cure and accounts for more than 2.5 million visits to medical centers each year. A previous study suggests that increasing fiber consumption may help patients find relief, but recommendations for kind, amount, and duration are lacking. As a result, Van der Schoot and colleagues performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effect of fiber supplementation on gut transit time, stool production, symptoms, and quality of life in individuals with chronic constipation.

The researchers found studies for this investigation by searching electronic databases, hand-searching abstracts, and backward citations. The final analysis included 16 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,251 individuals.

The key findings of this study were as follows:

1. Fiber increased stool regularity and enhanced stool consistency.

2. According to the experts, 66% of patients reacted to fiber treatment.

3. Fiber levels greater than 10 g/d and psyllium supplements, in particular, were particularly effective in enhancing responsiveness to therapy, stool production, and straining.

4. A month-long treatment was also recognized as "ideal for improving" entire gut transit time and stool consistency.

5. Psyllium increased stool frequency by three bowel movements per week, showing that it is as effective as, if not more successful than, osmotic and stimulant laxatives, which increase stool frequency by 2.5 bowel movements per week.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that psyllium is the most effective fiber studied for constipation alleviation, with improvements in stool frequency and straining, highlighting its potential to be utilized as a first-line strategy for constipation management. These findings give data for the best type and regimen of fiber supplementation, which could influence clinical care and patient recommendations, thereby enhancing patients' care and treatment outcomes.

Reference: 

van der Schoot, A., Drysdale, C., Whelan, K., & Dimidi, E. (2022). The effect of fiber supplementation on chronic constipation in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. In The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac184