A dose-finding study for a supplement containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris FC in healthy adults with mild constipation.

A dose-escalation study was conducted to find the effective dose of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris FC for improving defecation in healthy subjects. Twenty-seven subjects were recruited and consecutively ingested a placebo and two dose levels of L. cremoris FC (dose level 1, 1 x 10(7) cfu; dose level 2, 2 x 10(7) cfu) capsules daily for two weeks. Frequency of defecation (times/week) was significantly increased by dose level 2, and stool volume (units/week) was significantly increased by dose level I. This dose-escalation study elucidated that intake of at least 1 X 10(7) cfu L. cremoris FC improves defecation.