Best Supplements for Improved Bowel Movement Frequency
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 18 supplements across 21 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 randomized controlled trials, all reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of Bifidobacterium lactis strains on bowel movement frequency in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation. Two of the three studies found statistically significant improvements, with a large trial (n=1248) showing significantly higher defecation frequency versus placebo at all weeks (P<0·05). The evidence is strongest for adults with low baseline bowel frequency, though strain-specific dosing varied and was not always reported.
18 supplements
- LowBifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42LAcross 3 randomized controlled trials, all reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of Bifidobacterium lactis strains on bowel movement frequency in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation. Two of the three studies found statistically significant improvements, with a large trial (n=1248) showing significantly higher defecation frequency versus placebo at all weeks (P<0·05). The evidence is strongest for adults with low baseline bowel frequency, though strain-specific dosing varied and was not always reported.3 beneficial3 studies