Effects of dietary fiber with Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 on bowel movement and fecal properties of healthy volunteers with a tendency for constipation

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2015;79(2):300-6. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2014.972331. Epub 2014 Oct 23.

Abstract

To elucidate the effects of Lilac LAB (Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 and okara [soy pulp] powder) on bowel movements/fecal properties, we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with healthy Japanese volunteers with a tendency for constipation (n = 297). The subjects ingested 2 g/d placebo (okara powder) or test food (Lilac LAB, 1 × 10(8) CFU) once a day for 2 weeks. In the test group of functionally constipated subjects, the changes in the average scores of self-reported fecal size, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and defecation frequency were significantly improved compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05), and fecal color and odor tended to improve (p = 0.07). In the test food group of all subjects and among the non-functionally constipated subjects, the fecal size tended to improve compared to the placebo group (p = 0.06, p = 0.07, respectively). Lilac LAB was effective in improving bowel movements and fecal properties in functionally constipated persons.

Keywords: Bacillus coagulans; constipation; human trial; okara; synbiotics.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacillus / physiology*
  • Constipation / microbiology
  • Constipation / physiopathology*
  • Defecation / drug effects*
  • Defecation / physiology
  • Dietary Fiber / pharmacology*
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odorants
  • Young Adult