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‘Fiber 7’ supplement as an alternative to laxatives in a nursing home
Author(s) -
Khaja M.,
Thakur C. S.,
Bharathan T.,
Baccash E.,
Goldenberg G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
gerodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1741-2358
pISSN - 0734-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2005.00061.x
Subject(s) - medicine , discontinuation , constipation , nursing homes , laxative , psyllium , nursing , dietary fiber , food science , chemistry
Background: Chronic constipation is a common and bothersome problem in elderly nursing home patients. Although fibre has a known role in the treatment of constipation, laxatives are still widely used in nursing home patients. Objective: To determine whether the addition of a fibre supplement to oral diet can reduce the use of laxatives in a long‐term care facility. Participants and methods: Oral diet of 92 nursing home residents (all older than 65) on chronic laxatives (docusate, milk of magnesia with Cascara, psyllium) was supplemented with ‘Fiber 7’, a natural powder fibre (7 g per meal twice a day). During the next 2.5 years discontinuation of laxatives was attempted. Results: Laxatives were successfully discontinued in 63 of the 92 patients (68.5%, 95% confidence interval 59–78%). The fibre supplement was well tolerated. The cost of care was decreased by $3.5 per patient every month or by $220/month for the 63 patients. Conclusions: Use of ‘Fiber 7’ allowed discontinuation of laxatives in 63 of 92 nursing home residents. The fibre supplement was a safe and convenient alternative to laxatives and decreased the cost of medical care.