A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of<i>Bifidobacterium bifidum</i>CCFM16 for manipulation of the gut microbiota and relief from chronic constipation
Luyao Wang, Linlin Wang, Peijun Tian, Botao Wang, Shumao Cui, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Long Qian, Qun Wang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang
Abstract
CCFM16 treatment improved the stool consistency and increased the proportion of SBM responders, but the differences in PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL were statistically insignificant between the groups. Analysis of the SCFAs and microbiome revealed that CCFM16 significantly increased the acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations and enhanced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Levels of Clostridia were particularly increased and were associated with the increase in butyric acid. In addition, we found the other side of Clostridia; several taxa in the order Clostridiales were observed to prevent CCFM16 from proper functioning in the pre-treatment microbiome. In conclusion, CCFM16 can potentially and efficaciously relieve chronic constipation in Chinese adults by regulating the gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism. The two sides of Clostridia illustrate its importance in microbial therapy for constipation.