Pre-biotics and Probiotics for Constipation in Parkinson's Disease

Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of a Fermented Milk Containing Multiple Probiotics Strains and Prebiotic Fiber for Constipation Associated With Parkinson's Disease

Constipation is the most frequent (prevalence, about 60%) dysautonomic non motor symptom affecting Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Unfortunately, limited treatment options have been investigated and are now available for the management of constipation in PD. Preliminary data have suggested that probiotics could be help improving bowel habits but high-quality randomized trials are required in this area. Therefore, the investigators designed a randomized trial to evaluate whether the use of a fermented milk containing multiple probiotics strains and prebiotic fiber have a beneficial effect on constipation in PD compared to placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of constipation according to Roma III criteria
• complete bowel movements per week <3
• total bowel movements per week <6
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• report of loose (mushy) or watery stool in the absence of laxative use
• ongoing artificial nutrition
• lactose intolerance
• chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• previous abdominal surgery
• use of anti-cholinergics
• use of antibiotics in the 6 weeks before baseline visit
• Radio- chemotherapy
• Cognitive decline (Mini Mental State Examination <27)