Do probiotics and fibre in milk powder have an effect on functional constipation and general wellbeing of Filipino mothers?

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics and fibre in milk powder on functional constipation and general well-being of a sample of Filipino mothers. Methods: The study employed a single group, controlled, before-after intervention design. Out of 115 females recruited from 7 military camps in Metro Manila aged 21-31 years, 85 mothers met the inclusion criteria namely, defecation frequency of <3 days/week or constipated for about 2-8 weeks, experienced bloating, flatulence, gurgling, feeling heavy after eating, and abdominal pain, willing to stop vitamin supplementation a week before the start of the study. Milk powder (40 g) in 200 ml of water was consumed twice a day for 28 days under supervision at the workplace. Digestive health, health and wellness, bowel habit and Bristol stool chart questionnaires, which were modified and pre-tested, were administered every 3-4 day visits. Constipation was defined as <3 days/week defecation frequency (Rome II). Appropriate statistical tests were employed in data analysis. Results: A total of 72 participants completed the study. At 4 weeks, a significant improvement in defecation frequency was reported. There was an increasing percentage of participants who were highly satisfied with their defecation frequency, stool characteristics, comfort during defecation and defecation duration as the number of intervention days increased. Conclusion: The consumption of a probiotic and fibre fortified milk powder might have contributed in alleviating functional constipation and the improvement in general health and wellbeing of the participants. Further studies should be conducted to confirm these results.