1.
The development of the cure of the functional intestinal disorder based on the differences of gut microbiota in aged patients: A randomized clinical trial.
Matsuura, T, Kyokane, K, Yamada, S, Kuno, Y
Medicine. 2021;(44):e27696
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Constipation, which is not an organic disease in the lower gastrointestinal tract, is a gastrointestinal symptom characteristic of elderly patients. Complaints of dyschezia increase with age, and it is difficult to treat in many cases. This study aimed to determine the appropriate treatment and its effects on intestinal immunity in elderly patients experiencing chronic constipation. METHODS Patients experiencing difficulty defecating were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A was given only laxatives, whereas Group B was given laxatives combined with probiotics as an intervention. Both groups were compared based on the degree of improvement in constipation and its effects on the intestinal environment. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in constipation of elderly patients when probiotics were administered in combination with a laxative, suggesting that it may be a more effective treatment. Furthermore, the changes in the intestinal flora, examined before and after the intervention, tended to be associated with improvement of constipation. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the improvement of intestinal flora was somewhat achieved by relieving constipation. Because intestinal bacteria significantly influence intestinal immunity and, thus, systemic immunity of the entire body, the development of better treatments for constipation would help to improve both the intestinal environment and immune function in the elderly.
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Probiotics and prebiotics in the elderly.
Hamilton-Miller, JM
Postgraduate medical journal. 2004;(946):447-51
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Abstract
Probiotics (usually lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and prebiotics (non-digestible oligosaccharides) have been shown to be useful in preventing certain disease conditions as well as possibly promoting specific aspects of health. In the present review, the evidence from clinical trials for benefits from probiotics and prebiotics to elderly populations is presented and discussed, specifically in respect of three common conditions found in the elderly. Both probiotics and prebiotics may be helpful in malnutrition, particularly in lactose intolerance and calcium absorption, and in constipation. Probiotics have been shown clearly to boost immunity in the elderly, but the clinical significance of this remains to be clarified. These results are encouraging, and further large scale studies seem justified to establish the place of probiotic and prebiotic supplements in elderly subjects.