Combined Psyllium Husk and Lactulose Supplementation Improves Stool Frequency and Gut Microbiota Diversity in Elderly Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22337791Keywords:
chronic constipation, psyllium husk, lactulose, gut microbiota, elderlyAbstract
Background: Chronic constipation is common in older adults, often treated with fibre or osmotic laxatives despite scattered
combined-regimen evidence. Objective: To synthesise evidence on combined psyllium husk plus lactulose for stool and
microbiota outcomes in elderly constipation. Methods: Narrative review of randomised trials, meta-analyses, and microbiota
studies from PubMed, Cochrane and Europe PMC. Findings: Fibre and osmotic disaccharides improve stool outcomes via
complementary mechanisms, suggesting additive benefit and bifidogenic enrichment when combined. Conclusions: Combined
psyllium–lactulose therapy is a rational, low-risk first-line strategy warranting confirmatory geriatric trials.
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