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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022;26(3):247-251.
doi: 10.1007/s12603-022-1747-2.

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

T C Chan  1 , V M W Yu, J K H Luk, L W Chu, J K Y Yuen, F H W Chan
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

T C Chan et al. J Nutr Health Aging. 2022.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in improving constipation and reducing the use of laxatives among long term care facility (LTCF) residents.

Design: A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial from September 2021 to November 2021.

Setting: Four LTCF in Hong Kong.

Participants: Fifty-two LTCF residents with chronic constipation (mean age: 83.9±7.6 years, male 38%).

Intervention: 5g PHGG mixed with 200ml water per day for 4 weeks was given to intervention group participants. Control group received 200ml water for 4 weeks. Participants continued their usual as-needed laxative (lactulose, senna or dulcolax) on their own initiative.

Measurements: Baseline measurements included age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, Roackwood's Clinical Frailty Scale, body mass index and daily dietary fiber intake. Outcome measures were fecal characteristics assessed by Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel opening frequency and laxative use frequency at baseline, first, second, third and fourth week of trial. Adverse events were measured. The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov; identifier: NCT05037565.

Results: There was no significant difference in bowel frequency and stool characteristics between the treatment group and control group. However, there was a significantly lower frequency of lactulose, senna, and total laxative use in the treatment group compared with controls in the third and fourth week. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that daily dietary fibre supplementation by using PHGG for 4 weeks in LTCF residents results in significantly less laxative use than placebo. It may be an effective way to reduce laxative dependence among older people living in LTCFs.

Keywords: Constipation; laxatives; long term care facility; partially hydrolyzed guar gum.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram outlining study flow
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fecal consistency (quantified by Bristol stool form scale) and bowel opening frequency of the two groups
Figure 3
Figure 3
Fecal consistency (quantified by Bristol stool form scale) and bowel opening frequency of the two groups *p=0.020; **p=0.009; §p=0.047; †p=0.028; ‡p=0.037; 1 unit of senna = 7.5g Senokot; 1 unit of lactulose = 10ml lactulose
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Uncited references

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