Constipation is a prevalent issue, and evidence suggests that olive oil may alleviate symptoms and promote regular bowel movements. This study compared two types of polyphenol-rich olive oil and ordinary olive oil on the effectiveness of constipation therapy.

In this double-blind clinical trial study, 140 patients over 18 with the complaint of chronic constipation who referred to the Caspian clinic of the Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, in 2021 were included. The diagnosis of constipation was confirmed based on the Rome III questionnaire by a gastroenterologist. By block randomization, patients were divided into two groups of 70 subjects (polyphenol-rich olive oil as trial and ordinary olive oil as control). Demographical data and clinical characteristics of patients were collected through a questionnaire. Both groups consumed 20 cc per day (two tablespoons) of two types of olive oil for four weeks, and follow-up was evaluated using both Rome III and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) questionnaires. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0.1, considering a significant level <0.05.

Out of 140 patients, about 61.4% were women, and the mean age of the patients was 4.88±15.67 years. The average score of Rome III and the severity of constipation based on the BSFS significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.001). However, the improvement in excretory habits was higher in the trial group compared to the control group. In the group that consumed polyphenol-rich olive oil compared to the control group, the adjusted average score of the Rome III and BSFS was 3.47 vs. 7.74 and 3.30 vs. 2.23, respectively (P<0.001).

The use of polyphenol-rich olive oil has a more significant effect on treating constipation than ordinary olive oil due to its higher amount of polyphenols, resulting in more patient satisfaction with the treatment.