"Functional constipation" refers to a situation where a person has difficulty passing stool regularly or easily. It means that there are no physical abnormalities or medical conditions causing the constipation, but instead, it is caused by problems with how the digestive system is working.
Full definition
Synbiotics and fiber seem to be beneficial in patients
with functional constipation, and the non-pathogenic strain Nissle 1917 of Escherichia coli may be effective in maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.
[4] Dimidi, E., et al. «The effect of probiotics
on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta - analysis of randomized controlled trials.»
Evaluation and Treatment
of Functional Constipation in Infants and Children: Evidence - Based Recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN.
A 2014 double - blind placebo controlled trial assessed the effectiveness and safety of magnesium - sulfate - rich mineral water in 244 adult women
with functional constipation; researchers observed a trend in improved number of normal stools for the group receiving magnesium - sulfate mineral water.
Functional constipation and incontinence.
A new review looks at the evidence behind the effectiveness of complementary or alternative therapies - including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fiber, and herbal medicinal products - for the treatment of bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
functional constipation, and ulcerative colitis.