Systematic review: the effects of fibre in the management of chronic idiopathic constipation
Suares NC, Ford AC
Published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Methodology
Systematic review of 6 randomised controlled trials comparing soluble or insoluble fibre with placebo or no therapy in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation
Key Findings
Soluble fibre improved global symptoms (86.5% vs 47.4%), straining, pain on defaecation and stool consistency, and increased stools from 2.9 to 3.8 per week; evidence for insoluble fibre was conflicting.
Conclusions
Soluble fibre may benefit chronic idiopathic constipation, but data for insoluble fibre are conflicting and study quality was low.
Limitations
Only six eligible RCTs; methodological quality too poor for formal meta-analysis; adverse events poorly reported.
Outcomes Measured
Soluble fibre may be of benefit in chronic idiopathic constipation, but data for insoluble fibre are conflicting.
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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