BACKGROUND:

Constipation, abdominal pain and bloating are highly prevalent in general population and they constitute a therapeutic challenge. Probiotics are effective in the management of these symptoms.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate in daily clinical practice if the administration of a supplement food containing Bifidobacterium longum AW11 (5x109 FCU) and short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (Fos cc. Actilight 2.5g) can relieve constipation and functional bowel symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHOD:

An open and observational study was done including patients with digestive symptoms of more than six months of evolution, without organic disease explaining their symptoms and who received treatment with the synbiotic, daily during eight weeks. Intensity and frequency of symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire and the characteristics of evacuations by Bristol's scale at baseline and after four and eight weeks of treatment.

RESULTS:

There were included 361 patients with digestive symptoms lasting 2.3±4.9 years; 96% had constipation, 79% fulfilled Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome an 16% for functional constipation. Treatment with the synbiotic increased frequency of bowel movements per week from 3.8±3.3 to 5.9±3.0 at week 8 (p<0.00001). There was a significant improvement also for: complete spontaneous bowel movements, stool consistency (Bristol scale), straining, bloating, frequency of abdominal pain, malaise, and global wellness. Percentage of patients with complete satisfaction increased from 6% in the initial visit to 78% at the week 8.

CONCLUSIONS:

Daily ingestion of a synbiotic (B. longum and Fos cc.) is effective to relieve constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.

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