Efficacy of pasteurised yoghurt in improving chronic constipation: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

One hundred and eighteen constipation subjects were fed a placebo or treatment (pasteurised yoghurt) for 7 weeks in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. The results suggested that pasteurised yoghurt was effective in improving constipation. The subjects who ingested pasteurised yoghurt showed a significant increase in their defecation frequency following one week of the intervention. Constipation symptoms such as straining, lumpy or hard stool, and sensations of incomplete evacuation and anorectal blockage were all ameliorated. The numbers of faecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and the short-chain fatty acid concentrations increased significantly in the treatment groups. In this study, pasteurised yoghurt with non-viable probiotics was found to exert a positive effect on constipation in adults, proving that heat-treated yoghurt can improve constipation. This function of pasteurised yoghurt may provide a new application for lactic acid bacteria.