|
 Supplementation with isomalto-oligosaccharide (IO), a carbohydrate derived from corn starch, may decrease constipation and lower cholesterol levels in the elderly, suggests a recent study by Taiwanese researchers.
The study included 13 older adults (aged 80-84) with constipation. For the first four weeks, the participants took a daily placebo. Then, the participants took 10 grams of IO daily for eight weeks. The researchers took took stool and blood samples every four weeks. Assessment of bowel patterns occurred throughout the study.
After supplementation, the levels of beneficial bacteria increased, as did the occurrence of bowel movements and percentage fecal mass. IO supplementation also lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL). The effects of IO on bowel composition, bowel pattern and cholesterol diminished with discontinuation of supplementation.
The researchers suspect that IO supplementation may work by increasing colonization of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Although these results are promising, studies with larger sample sizes and of longer duration need to be conducted before conclusions are drawn.
For more information about constipation, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.
- Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
- Yen CH, Tseng YH, Kuo YW, et al. Long-term supplementation of isomalto-oligosaccharides improved colonic microflora profile, bowel function, and blood cholesterol levels in constipated elderly people-A placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial. Nutrition. 2010 Jul 10. View Abstract
|