Abstract
The effect of ingestion of a jelly containing 10g of polydextrose as dietary fiber (DF jelly) on defecation was investigated in 27 elderly people (7 who could walk, 14 in wheelchairs and 6 bedridden) who had been consuming a general diet in long-term care institutions. The experiment was carried out over a 26-day period that included a general diet for 19 days and DF jelly ingestion for 7 days. The jelly was consumed at 3 p.m. during the DF jelly trial period.
During the general diet period, 92.6% of the subjects took laxatives every day. The results showed that the ingestion of the DF jelly resulted in significant (p <0.05) increases in their fecal frequency from 6.4±2.7 to 9.6±5.0 times per week in the wheelchair group and from 6.4±3.4 to 12.5±5.3 times per week in the bedridden group. There were also significant (p <0.05) increases in the fecal weight from 32.5±4.6 g to 46.6±4.9 g per day in the wheelchair group and from 29.3±9.7 g to 59.0±27.5 g per day in the bedridden group. It was concluded that the intake of polydextrose as a dietary fiber was effective for stimulating defecation. In addition, the frequency of laxative use and enemas significantly decreased (p <0.05) in the bedridden group. In a taste survey, 92.6% of the subjects responded that the DF jelly was delicious or acceptable and the DF jelly was evaluated more highly by the female subjects than by the male subjects.
These results showed that the DF jelly has a good taste and is suitable for consumption by the elderly and that it improves defecation by the elderly who have reduced daily living activities.
