'Fiber 7' supplement as an alternative to laxatives in a nursing home |
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Authors: | Khaja M Thakur C S Bharathan T Baccash E Goldenberg G |
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Affiliation: | New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, NY, USA. |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | fibre additives diet laxatives elderly constipation |
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