Probiotics May Help Improve Stool Consistency

Stool consistency refers to the firmness of your “poop”.  Ideally, your stool should be between firm and soft, and not too hard to squeeze out. A new study suggest that probiotics may help with stool consistency and promote beneficial gut bacteria.

For their study, the researchers used the results of 10 randomized clinical trials that included 757 with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. All participants were given probiotics for 4 to 12 weeks. The most commonly given probiotics were Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The trials examined the effect of probiotics on stool consistency, abdominal pain, bloating, and gut microbiota consistency.

The researchers found that probiotics significantly improved stool consistency compared to placebo. They also found that 8 weeks of probiotic supplementation had a better effect on stool consistency compared to 12 weeks. In addition, probiotic supplementation significantly increased numbers of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

No significant changes were seen for abdominal pain or bloating.

The study was conducted by researchers from Lanzhou University. It was published online ahead of print June 15, 2022 in the journal Nutrients.