RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Multi-strain Probiotic Effects on Self-Reported Constipation

This study explores a multi-strain probiotic as a new option for people with ongoing constipation. Many individuals find current treatments don't fully help, so we're looking for better ways to manage this common problem. A specific probiotic containing billions of live bacteria has shown promise in improving symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and how satisfied people feel with their bowel habits, especially in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) where constipation is a main issue. This research aims to understand if these benefits translate to other people with constipation, how it affects their quality of life, and how their gut works. We hope to recruit about 20 volunteers to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Dr Anthony Hobson

Enrolment target

Start

03 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Constipation Probiotic Probiotic Intervention

What is this study about?

Constipation is a common problem where you might find it hard to go to the toilet regularly or pass stools that are lumpy and dry. While things like eating more fibre, drinking enough water, and staying active often help, some people still struggle even after trying different medications. This means there's a real need to find other helpful ways to ease constipation.

One potential new approach involves using prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, which are all related to good gut bacteria. Probiotics, in particular, are live friendly bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. There's growing evidence that these might help some people with mild constipation. However, it's not always clear who will benefit the most, so understanding more about individual symptoms and how their body works is really important.

This study is focusing on a specific multi-strain probiotic, which is a food product containing billions of these live, active bacteria. This particular probiotic has already shown positive results for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who mainly experience constipation. In those studies, people felt better with their bowel habits, had less stomach pain and bloating, and felt a greater sense of urgency to go. Their quality of life also improved after taking the probiotic for four weeks or more. This new study aims to see if similar improvements can be found in people with self-reported constipation, looking at their symptoms, how it affects their daily life, and how their gut functions.

Key takeaways

This study explores if a specific probiotic helps with constipation.
It aims to find new, non-drug ways to manage constipation.
The probiotic has shown promise in people with similar gut issues.
Participation involves taking the probiotic and tracking symptoms.
It seeks to improve understanding of gut health and quality of life.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 70 years old. You should have ongoing constipation that impacts you, and you must be willing to stop any other constipation treatments you're currently using, if needed. We'll also check your general health, including your body weight and make sure you understand English well enough to follow the study instructions.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you plan to make big changes to your diet during the study. We also can't include people who have had certain bowel surgeries, have conditions like severe diabetes, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain other severe gut problems. If your main issue with IBS is stomach pain rather than constipation, you wouldn't be suitable either.

Finally, if you are a woman who could become pregnant, you would need to agree to use effective birth control methods during the study period, unless you've had a hysterectomy or your partner has had a vasectomy. It's important to discuss all these points with the study team to see if this study is right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Do you have ongoing constipation?
Are you willing to temporarily stop other constipation treatments?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have generally good health, without severe gut conditions like Crohn's or Coeliac disease?
Can you understand written English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, we'll first make sure you understand everything involved and you'll be asked to sign a consent form. You'll then need to stop any other constipation treatments you're using for a short time before starting the study. You'll be asked to take the multi-strain probiotic every day. We'll ask you to keep track of your constipation symptoms and how you feel generally. We'll also do some tests to understand how your gut is working. The study will involve regular check-ins over a period of several weeks, and you'll need to follow specific instructions for certain tests, such as one involving a special capsule to measure how food moves through your gut. The total duration of your participation will be explained to you by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you some benefits, such as potentially experiencing an improvement in your constipation symptoms and overall quality of life by trying a new treatment that isn't a traditional medication. However, as with any study, there could be some risks. While the probiotic is generally considered safe, some people might experience mild digestive upset or other temporary side effects. All possible risks will be fully explained to you before you decide to take part. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Functional Gut Clinic
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a probiotic?

Probiotics are live good bacteria and yeasts that live in your gut and are thought to be good for your digestive health.

How long will the study last?

The full length of the study for each person will be explained by the study team, but it will involve several weeks of participation.

Will I have to stop other medicines?

Yes, you might need to temporarily stop other medications or treatments for constipation you are currently taking.

What kind of tests will be done?

Tests will include tracking your symptoms, answering questionnaires about your quality of life, and possibly specific gut function tests, like one involving a special capsule.

Will I know if the probiotic helped me?

Yes, your symptoms and gut function will be monitored, and you will be able to see if there are any changes for you over the course of the study.

How to find out more

Fay Rendall

research@thefunctionalgutclinic.com +441613027777 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.