The Effects of Enzyme-rich Malt Extract on Chronic Constipation

This pilot study is an open label, pre-post interventional study to evaluate the use of ERME in the treatment of people with chronic constipation.

This study involves eligible participants that have a diagnosis constipation according to the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Score (KESS). Participants will receive intervention with a food supplement enzyme-rich malt extract (ERME) at a dose of 15ml twice daily with food.

Before intervention commences, participants will complete baseline breath samples and a 7 day stool diary to assess stool frequency and consistency.

Participants will then receive the ERME as instructed and continue to complete a bowel diary. Then at 4 weeks since starting the intervention, participants will provide another breath sample and complete another set of breath samples.

Inclusion criteria

• Participant has diagnosis of chronic constipation according to the KESS score.
• Participant can communicate and understand English.
• Participant has a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 34.9kg/m2 (bounds included).

Exclusion criteria

• Dependant use of opioid-based medications.
• New use of prokinetic therapy during the study.
• Use of antibiotics in the last 4 weeks.
• Use of probiotics in the last 2 weeks.
• Organic gastrointestinal disease, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease and diverticulitis.
• Participant has known mechanical obstruction of the GI tract.
• Participant has diabetes.
• Participant has any hepatic disease.
• Participant has any disease of the CNS.
• Participant has had previous abdominal or colorectal surgery including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and hysterectomy.
• Participant has intake of ERME for 2 weeks before the study.