Pregnancy can be complicated by bowel irritation, constipation or diarrhea. Anderson reported constipation in 38% of English women during pregnancy. However, if drugs are prescribed to resolve constipation, it is necessary to assure that they do not affect the health of the expectant mother and fetus. Therefore, safe foods or food materials that prevent constipation are desirable for good pregnancy progression.

For this purpose, Suntory Co., Ltd. and Kishiwada City Hospital jointly conducted a clinical trial of the effect of xylooligosaccharide on constipation in pregnant women.

Subjects. The subjects were 30 constipated pregnant women at more than 23 wk' gestation who had not defecated for more than 5 consecutive days without laxatives. Patients suffering from complications were excluded.

Results. In all, 29 subjects completed the XOS administration schedule. During the XOS administration period, the symptoms of constipation decreased in all 29 subjects. The mean frequency of stools in the pre-treatment week were 1.1±0.4per week, increasing to 5.3±2.1 in the first week, 5.9±2.5 in the second week, 6.2±2.2 in the 3rd weekend, and 6.7±1.9in the 4th week. At the end of the study, 27 subjects could defecate spontaneously. The occurrence of very loose or very hard stools decreased and the stool consistency normalized. The stool color changed from dark to yellowish brown. No side effects were observed. XOS intake was highly effective for the reduction of severe constipation in pregnant women without adverse effects.

In conclusion, subjects with initial severe constipation were given 4.2g of XOS daily for 4 wk. In most cases, the frequency of stools increased and the associated symptoms were reduced during the XOS intake period. It is supposed that XOS normalizes bowel movements by regulating intestinal flora and increasing the intestinal contents. XOS is a safe and effective intestinal conditioner suitable for pregnant women.

Reference：

1.J Nutr Sci Vitamionl, 51, 445-448, 2005