1. Introduction
IBS-C, diarrhea, abdominal pain, Wilson et al., IBS-D, IBS, anxiety, irritable or spasmodic colon, fructose malabsorption, constipation, malabsorption of fructose, Irritable bowel syndrome, dysbiosis, Intestinal dysbiosis, depression, constipation-predominant IBS
SECONDARY, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, SYNDROME, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome displays three different subtypes: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). Treatment with dietary fiber is used, with consideration given both to the chemical composition of the fiber and to the different subtypes of IBS. The IBS-D subtype is usually treated with a low-FODMAPs diet, whereas the IBS-C subtype suggests prebiotics and probiotics to promote microbiota restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of employing agave fructans as the soluble fiber of a jelly (GelyfunIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as irritable or spasmodic colon, is a prevalent condition frequently encountered in gastroenterology clinics. It is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with an unknown underlying cause. The hallmark symptoms of IBS include recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort as well as alterations in bowel function such as changes in frequency or appearance, which can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, or both [Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the composition of commensal bacteria in the large intestine, is considered one of the potential factors contributing to the development of IBS. Among the various mechanisms, malabsorption of fructose has been implicated in triggering IBS symptoms. However, it remains unclear why fructose malabsorption occurs and whether this is a consequence of dysbiosis or because of IBS conditions that alter the microbiota–gut–brain axis [Similar to global patterns, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) exhibits a higher prevalence among women in Mexico, irrespective of the subtype or diagnostic criteria [Studies have also indicated that manipulating the intake of poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates can impact overall gastrointestinal gas production and the composition of gases produced (hydrogen versus methane) in healthy individuals, as well as hydrogen production in patients with IBS [In the conventional management of constipation-predominant IBS, the recommended first-line strategy is to increase fiber intake. This approach is widely advocated in both primary and secondary care settings, with the objective of regulating defecation and addressing delayed intestinal transit [On the other hand, the inclusion of both fermentable and nonfermentable fibers may offer potential benefits for these patients [Prebiotics are defined as “substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit to the host”. The prebiotics commonly consist of dietary carbohydrates, with inulin-type fructans (ITF) (fructose polymers) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (galactose polymers) being extensively studied [The significance of inulin-type fructans containing linear β (2→1) linkages in promoting human and bowel health has been firmly established through both in vitro and in vivo studies [The fermentation rate and extent of fructans are influenced by the degree of polymerization. While several studies have investigated linear-chain fructans, limited data are available on branched-chain fructans [Following an extensive analysis of 2332 records, Wilson et al. [Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the short-term effect of functional food with agave fructans supplementation on the clinical symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and stool frequency in patients with constipation-predominant IBS.