Physio-psychological study on enteric capsules containing bifidobacteria for hemodialysis patients

We investigated the effect of enteric capsules containing Bifidobacterium longum JBL01 on the constipation and variation of QOL (quality of life) in hemodialysis patients. These enteric capsules were administered orally to 24 patients on HD for 8 weeks. CAS (Constipation Assessment Scale) was used for measuring the degree of constipation, and PAC-QOL was used for measuring the influence of constipation on QOL. In the present study, constipation was significantly improved in 21 patients (87.5%) and was not improved in 3 patients (12.5%). The score of PAC-QOL was significantly low compared with that prior to the intake of enteric capsules containing Bifidobacterium longum JBL01. The serum phosphorus values of the group that had improved constipation at an early stage were significantly reduced compared with those before the intake of enteric capsules containing Bifidobacterium longum JBL01. These results suggest that the intake of enteric capsules containing Bifidobacterium longum JBL01 is useful to improve the intestinal environment and QOL of hemodialysis patients, and to reduce the serum phosphorus values.