Effects of low-dose medium-chain triglycerides on bowel habit outcomes in Japanese adults prone to constipation: a randomized, double-blind, LCT-controlled crossover trial

TL;DR

This study found that low-dose MCTs may improve bowel movements in Japanese adults who are prone to constipation.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of low-dose MCTs for improving bowel habits in generally healthy Japanese adults.

Findings

MCT intake significantly increased the number of days with bowel movements compared to LCT intake.

MCTs also improved bowel movement frequency and stool volume in participants.

Questionnaire-based outcomes showed changes, but differences between MCT and LCT were not always clear.

Abstract

In Japan, many individuals experience symptoms of constipation. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), composed solely of medium-chain fatty acids, have been suggested to improve bowel movements in athletes. However, most prior studies have assumed high-dose intake for ergogenic purposes, and evidence on the effects of low-dose interventions in generally healthy Japanese adults with a tendency toward constipation remains limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of consuming a small amount of MCTs on bowel movements, subjective abdominal condition, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Japanese adults prone to constipation.

This randomized, double-blind, long-chain triglyceride (LCT)-controlled, crossover trial with a 2-week washout enrolled 88 healthy Japanese adults aged 20–64 years with three to five bowel movements per week. Participants ingested 2 g/day of MCTs and 2 g/day of LCTs for 2 weeks each. Bowel movement indicators, subjective abdominal condition, and HRQOL were measured.

Using a statistical model for within-participant comparisons, significant diet effects were observed for the number of days with bowel movements, bowel movement frequency, and stool volume. A post-hoc analysis further confirmed that the change from baseline in the number of days with bowel movements at week 2 was significantly greater during the MCT intake period than during the LCT intake period. By contrast, although multiple questionnaire-based endpoints showed significant pre–post changes within intervention periods, the corresponding between-diet differences were not clearly demonstrated.

Daily intake of even a small amount of MCTs, compared with LCTs, may be helpful in improving bowel movements in Japanese adults prone to constipation.

https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000060455; identifier UMIN000052997.

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