epiglucan and Constipation

Misconceptions about the effects of dietary fiber and 'functional' fiber on stool parameters and constipation persist in the literature.. A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the use of the Scopus and PubMed scientific databases to identify and objectively assess well-controlled clinical studies that evaluated the effects of fiber on stool parameters and constipation.. The totality of well-controlled randomized clinical studies show that, to exert a laxative effect, fiber must: (1) resist fermentation to remain intact throughout the large bowel and present in stool, and (2) significantly increase stool water content and stool output, resulting in soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools. Poorly fermented insoluble fiber (e.g., wheat bran) remains as discreet particles which can mechanically irritate the gut mucosa, stimulating water & mucous secretion if the particles are sufficiently large/coarse. For soluble fibers, some have no effect on viscosity (e.g., inulin, wheat dextrin) while others form high viscosity gels (e.g., β-glucan, psyllium). If the soluble fiber is readily fermented, whether non-viscous or gel-forming, it has no effect on stool output or stool water content, and has no laxative effect. In contrast, a non-fermented, gel-forming soluble fiber (e.g., psyllium) retains its gelled nature and high water-holding capacity throughout the large bowel, resulting in soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools.. When considering a recommendation for a fiber supplement regimen to treat and/or prevent constipation, it is important to consider which fibers have the physical characteristics to exert a laxative effect, and which fiber supplements have rigorous clinical evidence of a significant benefit in patients with constipation.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Constipation; Dextrins; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Fermentation; Glucans; Humans; Inulin; Laxatives; Psyllium

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints with a highly prevalent and often chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting health-related quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Salecan on fecal output and small intestinal transit in normal and two models of drug-induced constipation mice.. ICR mice were administrated intragastrically (i.g.) by gavage with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Salecan while the control mice were received saline. The constipated mice were induced by two types of drugs, loperamide (5 mg/kg BW, i.g.) and clonidine (200 μg/kg BW, i.g.), after Salecan treatment while the control mice were received saline. Number, weight and water content of feces were subsequently measured. Small intestinal transit was monitored by phenol red marker meal.. Salecan (300 mg/kg BW) significantly increased the number and weight of feces in normal mice. In two models of drug-induced constipation, Salecan dose-dependently restored the fecal number and fecal weight. The water content of feces was markedly affected by loperamide, but not by clonidine. Treatment with Salecan significantly raised the fecal water content in loperamide-induced constipation mice. Moreover, Salecan markedly stimulated the small intestinal transit in both loperamide- and clonidine-induced constipation model mice.. These results suggest that Salecan has a potential to be used as a hydrophilic laxative for constipation.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Clonidine; Constipation; Defecation; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Gastrointestinal Transit; Laxatives; Loperamide; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Treatment Outcome