Effect of pulse consumption on perceived flatulence and gastrointestinal function in healthy males

Despite their demonstrated health benefits, consumption of pulses in Western societies has traditionally been low. This is, in part, due to the perception that pulses cause flatulence and gastrointestinal upset. This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, cross-over study assessed the impact of 28 consecutive days consumption of 100 g dry weight Kabuli chickpeas, green Laird lentils, and green peas, in comparison to a potato control, on perceived flatulence, abdominal comfort, bowel movements and overall gastrointestinal function using a questionnaire with yes/no and visual analog rankings, in 21 healthy males between the ages of 19–40. Questionnaires were completed during three phases (PRE, EARLY, LATE) of each treatment period. Chi-square (occurrence) and Wilcoxon test (severity rank) analyses revealed minor changes in occurrence and/or severity of flatulence and abdominal comfort, but no changes in overall gastrointestinal function. These results demonstrate that pulses containing oligosaccharides are well tolerated with negligible perceived changes in flatulence and overall gastrointestinal function when incorporated into the diet of healthy adult males.