Effects of fructooligosaccharide on bowel function and indicators of nutritional status in constipated elderly men

Five subjects completed the study consisting of a 30-d low fiber control period and another 30-d experimental period in which 10 g of FO was supplemented to a 3-d cycle menus. Status of large bowel function was monitored daily. Feces were completely collected on last 5 d of each period to determine the fecal characteristics and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents. Nutrient intake, body weight, arm anthropometric parameters, serum albumin, total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, and electrolytes were measured as indices of nutritional status. Incorporation of FO significantly increased the defecation frequency, daily stool weight, weight per stool and decreased the use of enema. Concentrations of fecal acetate, propionate, i-butyrate, n-butyrate, i-valerate and n-valerate increased by 3-18 fold in the experimental period. Nutrient intake and anthropometric indices remained constant throughout the study. Serum concentrations of Na and K were decreased and concentrations of Ca and P were increased in the experimental period. Other blood biochemical parameters were not affected by the treatment. Therefore, we conclude that supplementation of FO was able to alleviate constipation, increase stool weight and fecal SCFA concentrations without affecting plasma lipid concentrations in the normolipidemic, constipated elderly men. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.