A high-fibre personalised dietary advice given via a web tool reduces constipation complaints in adults

Constipation can greatly impact the quality of life (QoL), which can be relieved by dietary fibres; however, preserving a higher fibre intake remains a challenge. We investigated the effects of a personalised dietary advice (PDA) on fibre intake and mild constipation complaints. A total number of twenty-five adults with mild constipation complaints were included in a 4-week observation period followed by a 4-week personalised intervention. The PDA provided high-fibre alternatives via a web tool. In weeks 1, 4 and 8, dietary intake, constipation complaints and QoL were assessed. Furthermore, participants collected a faecal sample at weeks 1, 4 and 8 to determine microbiota diversity and composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Participants completed questions daily for 8 weeks regarding abdominal complaints, stool frequency and stool consistency. Fibre intake in week 8 was significantly higher compared to week 1 (Delta = 5.7 +/- 6.7 g, P < 0.001) and week 4 (Delta = 5.2 +/- 6.4 g, P < 0.001). Constipation severity and QoL significantly improved at week 8 compared to the observation period (P < 0.001). A higher fibre intake significantly reduced constipation severity (beta = -0.031 (-0.05; -0.01), P = 0.001) and the QoL (beta = -0.022 (-0.04; -0.01), P = 0.009). Stool consistency (P = 0.040) and abdominal pain (P = 0.030) improved significantly during the intervention period (P = 0.040), but stool frequency did not. Average microbial alpha diversity and composition and SCFA concentrations did not change over time, but indicated individual-specific dynamics. Several SCFAs were associated with constipation complaints. To conclude, a PDA effectively increased fibre intake and subsequently reduced constipation complaints, indicating that guided dietary adjustments are important and feasible in the treatment of mild constipation complaints.