![]() ![]() In addition, people with these disabilities often take medications that increase carnitine excretion from the body ( 14). In some cases, this food may be low in carnitine ( 14). That’s because people who can’t feed themselves may depend on enteral feeding, in which a feeding tube is inserted into their digestive tract. People with intellectual and motor disabilities are more likely than the general population to have a carnitine deficiency. A deficiency in carnitine may harm cellular function and result in digestive issues like constipation ( 14). ![]() However, some types of fiber may worsen constipation, so ask a healthcare professional to recommend a specific type and dosage.Ĭarnitine is a nutrient that’s important for energy production. Summaryįiber supplements such as psyllium, inulin, and glucomannan may help improve constipation. ![]() One large review found that fiber supplements, including these types, significantly increased stool frequency and consistency, compared with a placebo ( 13). Other fiber supplements, including inulin and glucomannan, may also help treat constipation. Many studies have shown that psyllium helps adults with constipation by increasing both the water content of stool and bowel movement frequency ( 11). Psyllium is the main ingredient in the fiber supplement Metamucil ( 12). Still, gel-forming soluble fiber, such as psyllium, retains a lot of water and may help improve stool consistency. In fact, because some types of fiber may worsen constipation symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional before starting a fiber supplement ( 11). However, not all types of fiber are appropriate for constipation relief. In doing so, they help stool soften and speed up fecal transit time through your colon. Insoluble fiber supplements such as wheat bran help stimulate the mucous membrane of your colon. People often use fiber supplements to treat constipation. Research suggests that some probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, may help improve symptoms of constipation. As such, further research is necessary ( 10). However, a review of 18 meta-analyses suggested that existing studies on probiotics and constipation are of low quality. Meanwhile, a review of 21 studies in people with constipation suggested that taking probiotic supplements that contain Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species may increase stool frequency and reduce food’s transit time through the colon ( 9). The authors concluded that the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis was the most effective ( 8). Therefore, it may help reduce constipation symptoms.Ī review of 14 studies in adults with chronic constipation found that probiotic supplements improved stool frequency, stool consistency, and the time it took food to move through the colon ( 8). Taking probiotic supplements may help support a balanced gut microbiome. Some research suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to certain types of constipation, including irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) ( 7). Magnesium supplements may help reduce symptoms of constipation, though they may also lead to side effects. Keep in mind that magnesium sulfate may cause digestive side effects such as bloating and diarrhea.įurthermore, people with kidney disease should avoid magnesium supplements - and excessive magnesium intake in general may lead to dangerous complications ( 6).Īs such, it’s best to consult a doctor or dietitian before taking magnesium. ![]() Studies have also shown that magnesium citrate and mineral water containing magnesium sulfate helped treat constipation ( 4, 5). In a high quality, 28-day study in 34 women with mild to moderate constipation, taking 1.5 grams of magnesium oxide per day significantly improved stool consistency, quality of life, and the time it took digested food to move through the colon, compared with a placebo ( 3). Magnesium plays a number of essential roles in your body, and certain forms of this mineral may help with constipation.įor example, research has shown that magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium sulfate all improve constipation symptoms. ![]()
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