The Effects of a Probiotic Fermented Milk on Functional Constipation in Adults

The Effects of a Probiotic Fermented Milk on Functional Constipation in Adults

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of daily consumption for 4 weeks of a fermented milk drink containing a live probiotic microorganism, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) compared to a placebo without LcS, among adults with functional constipation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with functional constipation based on ROME II criteria
• Has a constipation severity score (Chinese Constipation Questionnaire or CCQ score) of at least 5, which is the cut-off point for constipated subjects (Chan et al, 2005)
• Free of any cardiovascular related diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases or any other serious illness, not physically or mentally handicapped
• Living in Klang Valley, with no pre-determined plans to be out of town for one week or longer during scheduled intervention period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index of less than 16, or 30 and above
• Pregnant
• Regular ingestion of probiotic products within the preceding four weeks
• Regular use of laxatives (average once a week or more)
• Intake of anticholinergics medications or medications against diarrhea or antibiotics in the preceding 1 month
• Persons with milk protein allergy
• Persons with constipation of organic or neurological origin based on health screening
• Persons with alarm features as assessed by physician during health screening