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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a daily supplement of yeast mannans can increase bowel movements for individuals who typically have one or fewer stools per day. It also examines the supplement's effects on gut health, digestion time, and other digestive symptoms. Participants will receive either the yeast mannan supplement or a placebo (a harmless, inactive substance resembling the supplement) to compare results. This trial suits generally healthy adults seeking to improve bowel regularity and willing to take the supplement daily for four weeks while maintaining their usual diet and activity level. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to early research on digestive health improvements.

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 prior data suggests that yeast mannans are safe for human consumption?

Research has shown that yeast mannans are generally safe as a supplement. One study found that participants who took 15 grams of yeast mannans daily tolerated it well, with no major side effects reported. This suggests that yeast mannans could be safe for most people.

Another study examined the effects of yeast mannans on the gut and found that they can improve gut health by altering the types of bacteria present. This might explain their effectiveness in relieving constipation. Overall, the evidence indicates that yeast mannans are safe for humans and could be a beneficial option for those with constipation. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for constipation, like laxatives and fiber supplements, work by increasing stool bulk or stimulating bowel movements. But yeast mannans offer a unique approach by using a component from the yeast cell wall, specifically mannan-oligosaccharides and mannoproteins, which may improve gut health and promote regular bowel movements through a different mechanism. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could provide a natural and possibly more sustainable solution, potentially offering relief without the side effects associated with some traditional options.

What evidence suggests that yeast mannans might be an effective treatment for constipation?

Research has shown that yeast mannans, derived from yeast cell walls, can improve bowel habits. One study found that yeast mannans increased the frequency of bowel movements in adults with fewer than one per day and helped balance their gut bacteria. Another study discovered that yeast mannans could promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides, which are crucial for gut health. Additionally, yeast mannans may enhance the intestinal environment, leading to better digestion and regularity. This trial will test yeast mannan supplementation to determine its effectiveness in treating constipation by promoting more frequent bowel movements and supporting a healthier gut. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10780920/

Effects of Prebiotic Yeast Mannan on Gut Health and Sleep ... We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of yeast mannan (YM) in improving bowel habits and sleep quality, along with metabolomics in fecal samples.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024039276

Review article Yeast cell wall mannan structural features, ... The results of these studies suggest that mannan of yeast cell wall can promote morphological and immunological improvement in the gut.

3. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/12/3673

Effects of Yeast Mannan Which Promotes Beneficial ... This study suggests that YM intake could promote beneficial Bacteroides and improve the intestinal environment and skin condition.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/389371607_Yeast_mannans_promote_laxation_and_specifically_modulate_microbiota_composition_in_older_adults_An_open-label_pilot_study

Yeast mannans promote laxation and specifically modulate ... Yeast mannans promote laxation and specifically modulate microbiota composition in older adults: An open-label pilot study.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1019344/full

Yeast mannoproteins are expected to be a novel potential ... Our preliminary findings revealed that MPs from yeast could be explored as potential prebiotics to modulate the gut microbiota and prevent HFD-induced obesity.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531725000260

Yeast mannans promote laxation and specifically modulate ... Yeast mannan supplementation at 15 g/d specifically modulates fecal microbiota. Abstract. Yeast mannans (YM) are potential prebiotics that may improve laxation.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10958358/

Yeast cell wall mannan structural features, biological ... Avert intestinal pathogen adherence, such as E. coli and certain Salmonella species, to the gut mucosa, subsequently aiding many gut-related disease treatments.

8. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74379-0

Prebiotic effects of yeast mannan, which selectively ... In this study, we show the effects of YM on human colonic microbiota and its metabolites using an in vitro human faeces fermentation system.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2079-6382/10/9/1114

Supplementation of Live Yeast, Mannan Oligosaccharide, ... Indeed, the hypothesis of the present study was that dietary supplementation of live yeast, mannan oligosaccharides, and organic selenium can positively affect ...

10. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0196165

Dietary yeast-derived mannan oligosaccharides have immune ... Dietary yeast-derived mannan oligosaccharides have immune-modulatory properties but do not improve high fat diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance.