The Effect of Inulin in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inulin on bowel symptoms, depression and quality of life in individuals with constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome. Individuals (n=34) aged 21-63 years with constipation-dominant IBS were included in the study. Individuals were divided into two groups as prebiotic group \[(n=17) (inulin/oligofructose 50/50 mixture of 4.6 g (Inulin=total 9.2 g) inulin/oligofructose 50/50 mixture twice a day)\], and placebo \[(n=17), (Maltodextrin=9.2 g)\] group. The intervention period was 8 weeks and Bristol Stool Scale, IBS-Visual Analogue Scale, IBS-Symptom Severity Score Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS-Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QoL) and Beck Depression Scale were administered to the participants at the beginning, 1st month and 2nd month. SPSS software programme was used for statistical analysis of the data. It is thought that inulin supplementation may be effective in reducing symptom severity and frequency, improving bowel function (stool frequency, consistency and transit time) and quality of life, and thus may be beneficial in individuals with constipation-predominant IBS.