Yeast Mannans for Constipation

Overseen By Wendy J Dahl, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Must not be taking: Laxatives, Antidiarrheals, Antibiotics, others

Disqualifiers: Yeast allergy, Kidney disease, Intestinal diseases, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

70 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Findings from an open-label pilot study of 20 adults suggested that supplementation with 15 g/day of yeast mannans was highly tolerable and demonstrated specific modulation of the microbiota and increased stool frequency in a subset of subjects reporting ≤1 stool per day at baseline. The primary aim of this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial is to determine if yeast mannan supplementation at 12 g/day will increase stool frequency in generally healthy adults reporting ≤1 stool per day. Secondary aims will determine the effect of yeast mannans on intestinal transit time, gastrointestinal symptoms, fecal microbiota composition, and urinary and fecal metabolomics.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop using laxatives or antidiarrheal medications. Other medications are not specifically mentioned, so it's best to discuss with the trial team if you have concerns.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Yeast Mannans for constipation?

Yeast Mannans have been shown to improve gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful compounds, which may help with constipation. Similar treatments like konjac glucomannan have been effective in relieving constipation by increasing stool bulk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is yeast mannan safe for human consumption?

Yeast mannan has been studied in humans and no side effects were observed during an eight-week study with healthy female participants. It is generally considered safe and may even have beneficial effects on gut health and skin condition. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does the treatment Yeast Mannans for Constipation differ from other treatments?

Yeast Mannans are unique because they act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Bacteroides, which can help improve gut health and relieve constipation. Unlike traditional laxatives, which directly stimulate bowel movements, Yeast Mannans work by enhancing the gut microbiome, potentially offering a more natural and gentle approach to managing constipation. ^{1 6 9 10 11}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for generally healthy adults who usually have one or fewer bowel movements per day. Specific details about what makes someone eligible or not weren't provided, but typically participants must meet certain health standards and not have conditions that could interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to provide written informed consent in English

Willingness to maintain their usual diet and physical activity patterns throughout the study and refrain from the consumption of any yeast-based foods (e.g. Marmite or Vegemite) or yeast extract supplements

Willing to comply with study procedures, including stool and urine collection

Exclusion Criteria

Elite athletes or long-distance runners

I have had surgery on my stomach or intestines.

Yeast allergy

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive yeast mannan supplementation at 12 g/day or a placebo for 6 weeks

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Yeast Mannans

Trial Overview The trial is testing if taking 12 grams of yeast mannan daily can help increase the number of times people go to the bathroom compared to a placebo. It's a randomized, double-blind study which means neither the researchers nor participants know who gets the real treatment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Yeast mannan supplementation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Yeast cell wall fraction obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing mannan-oligosaccharides and mannoproteins will be supplemented at 12 g/day.

Group II: Control supplementation Placebo Group 1 Intervention

The control supplement, containing yeast protein, yeast extract, and maltodextrin, will be provided at 12 g/day.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yeast mannan increases Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron abundance and suppresses putrefactive compound production in in vitro fecal microbiota fermentation. [2021]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Yeast Mannan Which Promotes Beneficial Bacteroides on the Intestinal Environment and Skin Condition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Konjac acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk and improving colonic ecology in healthy adults. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Agave tequilana Fructans Versus Psyllium plantago for Functional Constipation: Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative laxation of psyllium with and without senna in an ambulatory constipated population. [2007]

6. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of yogurt supplemented with brewer's yeast cell wall on constipation and intestinal microflora in rats. [2019]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance of weanling pigs. [2017]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brewers dried yeast as a source of mannan oligosaccharides for weanling pigs. [2019]

9. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immune response to Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan conjugate in mice. [2006]

10. Ukraine pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Characteristics of biologically active mannan substances, isolated from fodder yeast]. [2020]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Extraction, isolation, structural characterization and prebiotic activity of cell wall polysaccharide from Kluyveromyces marxianus. [2022]