The purpose of this study was to compare the beneficial effects of galactooligosaccharide (GOS), lactulose, and a complex-oligosaccharide composed with GOS and lactulose (Com-oligo) on loperamide-induced constipation in SD rats. Rats were randomly divided into the following eight groups: the normal group (Nor); constipation control group (Con); and 6 constipation groups fed low and high doses of GOS, lactulose (Lac), and Com-oligo, respectively. Com-oligo increased intestinal transit ratio and relieved constipation in loperamide-treated rats. The group receiving a high dose of Com-oligo favorably regulated gastrointestinal functions such as pellet number, weight, moisture content, short chain fatty acid, intestinal transit ratio, and bifidobacterium number in constipated rats. In addition, Com-oligo restored peristalsis of the small intestine, morphology of colon, and increased interstitial cells of Cajal area. Thus, providing Com-oligo as an oligosaccharide ingredient in nutritional formulas could benefit the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
Keywords: Constipation; Crypt cell; GOS; Lactulose; Oligosaccharides; Short-chain fatty acids.