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A Low FODMAP Diet Supplemented with L-Tryptophan Reduces the Symptoms of Functional Constipation in Elderly Patients.

Nutrients
April 1, 2024
Cezary Chojnacki et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to assess the effect of a low-FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan on TRP metabolism and symptoms of functional constipation in elderly patients.

Results Summary

The study found that a low-FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan increased urinary 5-HIAA concentration and reduced symptom severity, with greater improvement in the group receiving TRP supplementation.

Population

Elderly patients with functional constipation (diagnosed via Rome IV Criteria).

Effective Dosage

1000 mg TRP per day (for Group IIB).

Duration

Not specified in the abstract.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (10)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
-
decrease
5-HIAA concentration in urine
Group II (patients with FC)
-
was lower
#1
-
increase
KYN and 3-IS concentrations in urine
Group II (patients with FC)
-
were higher
#2
-
decrease
S-score and urinary concentration of 5-HIAA
-
-
negative correlation
#3
-
increase
3-IS concentration and the S-score
-
-
positively correlated
#4
-
decrease
S-score and 3-IS concentration
-
-
negative correlation
#5
a dietary intervention (low FODMAP diet)
increase
5-HIAA concentration
Group IIA
-
increased
#6
a dietary intervention (low FODMAP diet)
decrease
severity of symptoms
Group IIA
-
decreased
#7
a dietary intervention (low FODMAP diet supplemented with 1000 mg TRP per day)
increase
5-HIAA concentration
Group IIB
-
increased
#8
a dietary intervention (low FODMAP diet supplemented with 1000 mg TRP per day)
decrease
severity of symptoms
Group IIB
more pronounced
decreased
#9
A low FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan
decrease
symptoms of functional constipation
elderly patients suffering from functional constipation
-
has beneficial effects
#10
Abstract

(1) Background: The elderly suffer from functional constipation (FC), whose causes are not fully known, but nutritional factors may play a role. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a low FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan (TRP) on its metabolism and symptoms of functional constipation in elderly patients. (2) Methods: This study included 40 people without abdominal complaints (Group I, controls) and 60 patients with FC, diagnosed according to the Rome IV Criteria (Group II). Two groups were randomly selected: Group IIA (n = 30) was qualified for administration of the low FODMAP diet, and the diet of patients of Group IIB (n = 30) was supplemented with 1000 mg TRP per day. The severity of abdominal symptoms was assessed with an abdominal pain index ranging from 1 to 7 points (S-score). The concentration of TRP and its metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN), and 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS) in urine were determined using the LC-MS/MS method. (3) Results: In Group II, 5-HIAA concentration in urine was lower, and KYN and 3-IS concentrations were higher than in the control group. A negative correlation was found between the S-score and urinary concentration of 5-HIAA (p < 0.001), and 3-IS concentration was positively correlated with the S-score. However, the correlation between the S-score and 3-IS concentration was negative (p < 0.01). After a dietary intervention, 5-HIAA concentration increased in both groups, and the severity of symptoms decreased, but the decrease was more pronounced in Group IIB. (4) Conclusion: A low FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan has beneficial effects in elderly patients suffering from functional constipation.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgedHumansTryptophanFODMAP DietChromatography, LiquidHydroxyindoleacetic AcidTandem Mass SpectrometryKynurenineConstipation
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy80/10
Quality75/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.34
Normalized Score0.67
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