Investigation of Supra Fiber in the Treatment of Adults With Constipation

Study Summary

Background: Whether Supra-Fiber, a plum-derived fiber supplement is useful in the treatment of constipation is not known. Supra Fiber is the first fiber supplement that has a blend of whole food fruit as its main ingredient. It contains prunes, pomegranates, blueberries, and Acai berries. Unlike psyllium, which is mostly (90%) insoluble fiber, Supra Fiber is a balanced (50%) blend of insoluble and soluble fiber. This may provide the beneficial effects of fiber, and eliminate potential adverse symptoms of fiber such as bloating, distention, hard bulky stools and excess gas. In this study, we expect to not only evaluate the efficacy but also the palatability and tolerability of Supra Fiber in the treatment of chronic constipation. Aims: 1. To investigate and compare the effects of Supra Fiber (5 grams BID) or psyllium (5 grams BID) on the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week, and bowel symptoms. 2. To examine the effects of fiber supplements on taste and quality of life in adults with functional chronic constipation in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group controlled trial. Methods: We propose to enroll 90 subjects with functional constipation in a single blinded, randomized, cross-over study comparing 4 weeks of Supra Fiber with 4 weeks of treatment with Psyllium Data analysis: The primary outcome measure will be the global relief of constipation symptoms as rated by the subject at the end of each phase of the study. Additionally, we will assess several secondary outcome measures that will include the number of Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBM) per week, Quality of Life , psychological profile, patient rating of taste on a VAS scale, patient rating of bloating, distension, satiety and fullness and patient rating of constipation-related symptoms. Expected results: We anticipate that treatment with Supra Fiber will improve symptoms of constipation compared to the baseline. This improvement will be comparable or superior to that ac

Primary Outcome

1\. Number of Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBM) per week. This will be analyzed from the daily stool diaries (Appendix 1). The CSBM provides a more robust and better assessment of the overall change in bowel function that takes into account not only the stool frequency but also the completeness and satisfaction with bowel function. A CSBM is defined as a bowel movement that is produced without the use of additional laxatives, suppositories or enemas in the previous 24 hours, other than

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Psyllium
• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Supra Fiber