A multiple-strain probiotic product provides a better enzymatic antioxidant response in individuals with constipation in a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Probiotics may have beneficial effects on intestinal dysbiosis. However, the effects of probiotics on redox and inflammatory responses in intestinal constipation remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a multiple-strain probiotic on the redox and inflammatory responses in individuals with intestinal constipation.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted with individuals diagnosed with constipation (defined according to the Rome IV criteria). The participants were randomized into two groups to receive either a probiotic capsule (PC; n = 25) containing probiotic strains or to receive a control capsule (CC; n = 20) containing a matching placebo for 30 d. In the baseline and at the end of the study, biomarkers of the redox (malondialdehyde, carbonylated protein, antioxidant enzymes, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) and inflammatory responses, and Rome IV criteria for constipation were analyzed.

Results: The consumption of a multiple-strain probiotic attenuated the reduction of glutathione peroxidase (PC = -9.41 and CC = -19.60; P = 0.041) and glutathione-s-transferase activity (PC = -3.28 and CC = -12.08, P < 0.0001) in erythrocytes and marginally improved the symptom of feeling incomplete defecation in ≥25% of bowel movements, compared with the placebo group. No changes were observed in total antioxidant capacity, oxidative damage, and levels of inflammatory markers in the serum.

Conclusions: Our data suggested that a multiple-strain probiotic may provide a better enzymatic antioxidant response and partially alleviate the feeling of incomplete defecation in ≥25% of bowel movements in individuals with intestinal constipation.