The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt on Constipation in Pregnant Women A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

.Abstract Background: Probiotics can alter the colonic flora and might improve bowel function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of yogurt, enriched with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus 4.8 × 1010 (CFU) on the symptoms of constipated pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 constipated pregnant women in Tabriz-Iran from December 2014 to July 2015. Constipation diagnosed by ROME III criteria. Participants were randomized into two groups by block randomization. Treatment group received 100 g of yogurt enriched with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus 1.6 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) (n = 30) and control group received conventional yogurt (n = 30) daily in three times for 4 weeks. Defecation frequency, straining during defecation, amount of defecation, stool consistency, sensation of anorectal obstruction, sensation of incomplete evacuation, manual manoeuvres to facilitate defecation were primary outcomes And secondary outcomes include stool colore, frequency of use of the syrup MOM (Magnesium of Milk), improve constipation in participants and quality of life score in probiotic yogurt group (treatment) and conventional yogurt group (control). Results: Between the two groups there was no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics (P>0.05). The frequency of defecation was increased from 2.1 (0.8) at baseline to 8.3 (4.4) in the probiotic yogurt group vs. 2.3 (0.7) at baseline to 8.1 (4.3) in the conventional yogurt group at the end of 4th week that based on the repeated measure ANOVA test and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (mean difference: 0.1; Confidence Interval 95%: -1.4 to 1.7; P=0.872). Constipation symptoms including straining, anorectal obstruction, manipulation to facilitate defecation, consistency of stool and color of stool were improved significantly (P<0.05) in both groups. In addition, the amount of defecation was significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05), while incomplete evacuation was significantly reduced in the treatment group (P=0.01). The frequency of use of magnesium in both probiotic yogurt and conventional yogurt has reduced, but no differences between groups in this regard in the first week, second, third, fourth and two weeks after the intervention (P>0.05). Also the improvement of participants in both groups probiotic yogurt and conventional yogurt increased but no differences between groups in this regard in the first week, second, third, fourth and two weeks after the intervention (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the mean scores of physical (P=0.726) and mental (P=0.678) aspects of quality of life after the intervention with the adjusting of baseline scores. Conclusions: The results showed no difference between groups (probiotic and conventional yogurt) in terms of improving symptoms of constipation and both had positive effects on constipation during pregnancy.