The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial

Ellen Lever; S Mark Scott; Petra Louis; Peter W Emery; Kevin Whelan

doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.003

The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial

Clin Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(1):165-173. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Feb 15.

Authors

Ellen Lever¹, S Mark Scott², Petra Louis³, Peter W Emery¹, Kevin Whelan⁴

Affiliations

¹ King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Nutritional Sciences, London, UK.
² Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, London, UK.
³ Microbiology Group, Gut Health Theme, The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
⁴ King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Nutritional Sciences, London, UK. Electronic address: kevin.whelan@kcl.ac.uk.

PMID: 29398337
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.003

Abstract

Background & aim: Prunes (dried plums) are perceived to maintain healthy bowel function, however their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) function are poorly researched and potential mechanisms of action are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of prunes on stool output, whole gut transit time (WGTT), gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in healthy adults METHODS: We conducted a parallel group, randomised controlled trial with three treatment arms in 120 healthy adults with low fibre intakes and stool frequency of 3-6 stools/wk. Subjects were randomised to 80 g/d prunes (plus 300 ml/d water); 120 g/d prunes (plus 300 ml/d water) or control (300 ml/d water) for 4 weeks. Stool weight was the primary outcome and determined by 7-day stool collection. Secondary outcomes included stool frequency and consistency (stool diary), WGTT (radio-opaque markers), GI symptoms (diary), microbiota (quantitative PCR) and SCFA (gas liquid chromatography). Group assignment was concealed from the outcome assessors.

Results: There were significantly greater increases in stool weight in both the 80 g/d (mean + 22.2 g/d, 95% CI -1-45.3) and 120 g/d (+32.8 g/d, 95% CI 13.9-51.7) prune groups compared with control (-0.8 g/d, 95% CI -17.2 to 15.6, P = 0.026). Stool frequency was significantly greater following 80 g/d (mean 6.8 bowel movements/wk, SD 3.8) and 120 g/d (5.6, SD 1.9) prune consumption compared with control (5.4, SD 2.1) (P = 0.023), but WGTT was unchanged. The incidence of flatulence was significantly higher after prune consumption. There were no significant differences in any of the bacteria measured, except for a greater increase in Bifidobacteria across the groups (P = 0.046). Prunes had no effect on SCFA or stool pH.

Conclusions: In healthy individuals with infrequent stool habits and low fibre intake, prunes significantly increased stool weight and frequency and were well tolerated. Prunes may have health benefits in populations with low stool weight.

Clinical trial registry number and website: ISRCTN42793297 http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN42793297.

Keywords: Dried plums; Fibre; Microbiota; Prunes; Stool weight; Transit time.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Feces / microbiology*
Female
Food, Preserved*
Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects*
Gastrointestinal Tract / physiology*
Humans
London
Male
Prunus domestica*
Time Factors

Associated data

ISRCTN/ISRCTN42793297

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Associated data

Grants and funding