5. Conclusions
depression, IBS of the constipation, anxiety
This study is the first report that assesses the short-term effects of agave fructans administration on the clinical symptoms of IBS-C. Through the ingestion of almost eight grams of agave fructans in a functional food (prebiotic jelly) for a period of 15 days, the frequency of fecal evacuation increased to 12 per week, the Bristol scale was regularized to type 4, and patients’ anxiety and depression levels were modified with respect to the baseline values in both evaluated groups. Finally, it was possible to improve the quality of life of patients with IBS of the constipation subtype, with significant effects on the food avoidance, social reaction, and sexual domains with respect to the placebo group with a low amount of 7.8 g of agave fructans, without a laxative effect or nontolerability. However, the evaluation of the intestinal microbiota and a possible description of the mechanism of action of the tested product are necessary.