2.3. Study Design
constipation-predominant symptoms, IBS, constipation
RECRUITMENT
After recruitment of patients diagnosed with IBS with a prevalence of constipation, we performed the random assignment of two study groups, namely, an experimental group and a control group. Participants in the experimental group were supplemented with a functional prebiotic jelly (GelyfunSpecifically, individuals with constipation-predominant symptoms were targeted for recruitment, in accordance with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and their voluntary willingness to participate. All patients provided informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the local Research Ethics Committee, and the study was conducted in compliance with the principles set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki (GAS-782-13/14-1) and evaluated and authorized by the INCMNSZ ethics committee. The level of physical activity was evaluated by measuring METS (1296 ± 906) with the instrument validated by the WHO, and energy consumption by means of 24 h reminders, which were analyzed using NutriKcal