Bowel habits
nausea, flatulence, gastrointestinal problems
Individuals who reported changes in bowel habits any time during the study were prevalent and similar between the groups; Placebo group 70.4%, single dose probiotic group 66.6%, double dose probiotic group 66.6%, triple dose probiotic group 68.9% (p = 0.99). The most common reported changes in bowel habits were changes in stool consistency and frequency of defecation. Nor were there any statistically significant differences in reported gastrointestinal problems between the groups. Frequencies of individuals that at some time reported gastrointestinal problems were 33.3% in the placebo group, 55.6% in the single dose probiotic group, 59.3% in the double dose probiotic group, and 55.6% in the triple dose probiotic group, p = 0.20. The most common reported gastro-intestinal problems included flatulence, upset stomach, and feeling of nausea.Bowel habits were retrieved from weekly electronic questionnaires. During months four through six, all individuals responded to at least 11 out of 12–14 weekly questionnaires (depending upon follow-up date). No statistically significant changes in bowel habits or gastro-intestinal problems were observed between consumed dosage, neither for number of individuals that reported them, or number of weeks reported. Number of individuals and frequencies of reported answers are presented in Tables Frequency of positive answers to “Have your bowel habits changed during the last week?”.*No statistically significant differences between the groups were detected, p = 0.99.**No statistically significant differences between the groups were detected, p = 0.16.Frequency of positive answers to “Have you had any gastro-intestinal problems during the last week?”.*No statistically significant differences between the groups were detected, p = 0.20.**No statistically significant differences between the groups were detected, p = 0.65.