Effects of dietary fiber with Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 on bowel movement and fecal properties of healthy volunteers with a tendency for constipation

To elucidate the effects of Lilac LAB(Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 and okara [soy pulp] powder) on bowel movements/fecal properties, we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with healthy Japanese volunteers with a tendency for constipation (n=297). The subjects ingested 2g/d placebo (okara powder) or test food (Lilac LAB, 1x10(8)CFU) once a day for 2weeks. In the test group of functionally constipated subjects, the changes in the average scores of self-reported fecal size, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and defecation frequency were significantly improved compared to the placebo group (p<0.05), and fecal color and odor tended to improve (p=0.07). In the test food group of all subjects and among the non-functionally constipated subjects, the fecal size tended to improve compared to the placebo group (p=0.06, p=0.07, respectively). Lilac LAB was effective in improving bowel movements and fecal properties in functionally constipated persons.