Functional constipation has a high prevalence in both adults and children affecting quality of life. Evidence suggests that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of constipation. As the effects of probiotics are strain specific, the efficacy of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in the treatment of functional constipation in adults was evaluated. Subjects (n = 100) diagnosed with functional constipation were supplemented with either B. coagulans Unique IS2 (2 billion CFU) or placebo capsules once daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were evaluated for treatment success (defined as three or more spontaneous stools per week), stool consistency, difficulty of defecation, defecation and abdominal pain. By the end of the fourth week, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in number of bowel movements in the probiotic treated group as compared to placebo. Ninety eight percent of subjects in the probiotic group achieved normal stool consistency as compared to placebo (74%). Moreover, there was relief from symptoms of incomplete evacuation, painful defecation and abdominal pain associated with constipation in probiotic treated group as compared to placebo. In conclusion, B. coagulans Unique IS2 significantly decreased the symptoms of constipation indicating effectiveness of the strain in the treatment of constipation.Trial registration: CTRI/2017/11/010539.
Keywords: Abdominal pain; B. coagulans unique IS2; Bowel movements; Constipation; Probiotic.