Goals ›

Constipation

Bowel movements that are rare or hard to pass. Studies count stools per week and score their form on the Bristol Stool Scale.

Strongest evidence: Probiotics, Fiber and Butyrate.

Supplements for constipation

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest constipation benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials
SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied
ProbioticsConstipation relief; +30%, Diarrhea reduction; -50%Strong1 of 1
FiberBMs↑, stools softer, Transit faster, bulk↑Strong1 of 1
ButyrateSCFA↑ constipation relief, SCFA↓ flare diarrheaStrong1 of 1
Prebiotics↑ frequency/softer stools, ↓ constipation severityStrong1 of 1
InulinMore stools, softer, No bowel changeStrong1 of 1
SennaBetter cleansing +10%, Faster bowel transitStrong1 of 1
PsylliumFrequencies + softer stools, Transit/volume +55%Strong1 of 1
DiosminBleeding/pain ↓, Symptom score −5.5Moderate1 of 1
Castor OilLooser stools; +BMs, Labor onset; +VBACModerate1 of 1
Glucomannan↑ bowel movements, improved stool consistencyModerate1 of 1
Showing 10 of 21 supplements.

What constipation covers

One benefit that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Bowel regularity

How often and how easily the bowels move. Trials count stools per week, score their form on the Bristol Stool Scale, and record straining and the sense of incomplete emptying.

21 supplements, 7 strong
  1. ProbioticsStrong, 314
  2. FiberStrong, 165
  3. ButyrateStrong, 98
  4. PrebioticsStrong, 97
  5. InulinStrong, 58

Protocols for constipation

What studies used, for this goal or for a group of people. Not advice: talk to a doctor first.