Nearly everybody experiences constipation at some point in their life. Constipation is typically a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of constipation include lack of dietary fiber, dehydration, minimal physical activity and certain medications. Digestive Advantage Daily Constipation Formula contains dietary fiber as well as a probiotic to help improve overall digestive health.
Indications and Dosage
Digestive Advantage's Daily Constipation Formula contains a blend of the probiotic "Bacillus coagulans" and a root extract, known as glucomannan, from the konjac plant. It is indicated for the maintenance and regularity of the digestive system and to help relieve occasional constipation. Constipation is defined as having three or fewer bowel movements per week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A single serving --- one capsule -- should be taken once per day with 8 oz. of water.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host," according to the World Health Organization. They resemble the "friendly" bacteria found naturally in the digestive tract that serve a variety of important functions, such as aiding in the digestion of food, disease prevention and immune system support. Many different strains of probiotics are added to foods, such as yogurt, or available as dietary supplements. Upon ingestion, probiotics take up residence in the digestive tract and provide different health benefits depending on the specific strain.
Active Ingredients
Each serving of Digestive Advantage's Daily Constipation Formula provides 600 million colony forming units or CFUs of "Bacillus coagulans" and 500 mg of Konjac glucomannan. "Bacillus coagulans" is a lactic-acid producing probiotic that provides a variety of health benefits, from suppressing diseases and conditions of the digestive tract to preventing respiratory infections and cancer, according to MedlinePlus. "Bacillus coagulans" survives the acidic environment of the stomach and populates in the intestines to help improve the regularity of bowel movements and prevent or treat constipation. In addition, Konjac glucomannan is a type of water-soluble dietary fiber that also plays a large role in relieving constipation by promoting a larger and bulkier stool that passes more easily and quickly, according to The University of Michigan Health System.
Considerations
Product claims for Digestive Advantage Daily Constipation Formula have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to MedlinePlus, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of "Bacillus coagulans" for the treatment of constipation and other digestive system related ailments. There is also insufficient evidence to determine the safety profile of "Bacillus coagulans," but probiotics have a long history of use without negative effects and generally produce only mild side effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Speak with a doctor first before taking dietary supplements.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Constipation; July 2007
- Ganeden: Digestive Advantage Daily Constipation Formula
- World Health Organization; Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food; April 2002
- MedlinePlus: Bacillus Coagulans; November 2010
- University of Michigan Health System; Glucomannan; December 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
