Constipation is a common condition affecting people of all ages. It is characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. Constipation can negatively impact quality of life and lead to complications if severe. Therefore, finding safe and effective treatments is important. One proposed remedy is corn syrup. But can this sweetener actually help relieve constipation? Here is an in-depth look at the evidence.
What is Constipation?
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or difficult to pass. Specifically, the Rome Foundation diagnostic criteria for functional constipation are:
- Must include two or more of the following:
- Straining during more than 25% of defecations
- Lumpy or hard stools more than 25% of defecations
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of defecations
- Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage more than 25% of defecations
- Manual maneuvers to facilitate more than 25% of defecations (e.g., digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor)
- Fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week
- Rarely has loose stools without the use of laxatives
- Insufficient criteria for irritable bowel syndrome
These symptoms must be present for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis.
Prevalence of Constipation
Constipation is very common, affecting people of all ages and demographics. Some key facts about the prevalence of constipation:
- Up to 20% of the general population experiences symptoms of constipation.
- Constipation is more common in women and adults ages 65 years and older.
- The prevalence may be as high as 50% among nursing home residents.
- Children are also affected by constipation, with a prevalence of 3% worldwide.
With so many people experiencing this condition, finding effective remedies is important for improving quality of life and avoiding complications.
Causes and Risk Factors for Constipation
Constipation can stem from a variety of causes. Some include:
- Medications – Iron supplements, opioids, antacids
- Diet – Low fiber intake, dehydration
- Lifestyle – Inactivity, resisting urge to defecate
- Medical conditions – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, IBS
- Anatomical issues – Pelvic floor dysfunction, anal fissures
- Neurological disorders – Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
Risk factors that make people more prone to constipation include:
- Older age
- Female sex
- Low socioeconomic status
- Low physical activity
- Low fiber diets
- Dehydration or inadequate fluid intake
- Travel or changes in routine
- Lack of privacy to use the bathroom
- Cognitive or mental impairments
- Medications like opioids or anticholinergics
Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors can help prevent and treat constipation. However, additional remedies are often needed to relieve symptoms.
Problems and Complications Associated with Constipation
While it may seem harmless, chronic constipation can lead to a number of concerning issues. Some potential medical complications include:
- Hemorrhoids – swollen veins in the anus and rectum
- Anal fissures – tears in the lining of the anus
- Fecal impaction – buildup of hardened stool in the rectum
- Paradoxical diarrhea – liquid stool leaking around a fecal blockage
- Rectal prolapse – protrusion of the rectum outside the body
- Bowel perforation – tear or hole in the bowel
Constipation has also been associated with serious events like stroke and cardiovascular disease. And the chronic straining can even lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Additionally, constipation negatively impacts quality of life. It can impair work productivity and limit social activities. Individuals with constipation report decreased quality of life scores and higher rates of depression. Finding effective, timely relief is key.
Conventional Constipation Remedies
There are a variety of conventional treatment options for relieving constipation. First line recommendations include:
- Increased fluid and fiber intake
- Exercise
- Establishing regular toilet habits
- Discontinuing medications that cause constipation if possible
When lifestyle changes are not enough, there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available:
- Fiber supplements like psyllium
- Osmotic and stimulant laxatives – polyethylene glycol, magnesium, senna
- Stool softeners – docusate
- Serotonin agonists – prucalopride
- Secretagogues – lubiprostone, linaclotide
Finally, enemas can provide immediate relief as can manual disimpaction for severe cases. Finding the right remedy often requires trial and error. When conventional treatments fail, alternative remedies may be considered. This leads us to our original question – can corn syrup help with constipation in these difficult cases?
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. Through enzymatic or acid hydrolysis, the starch’s long glucose chains are broken down into shorter, sweeter glucose polymers. There are different versions of corn syrup:
- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – contains both glucose and fructose sugars
- Corn syrup – primarily glucose, no fructose
- Glucose syrup – nearly 100% glucose
The different forms have varying levels of sweetness. HFCS is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages. The increased fructose content makes it the sweetest formulation.
Some key facts about corn syrup:
- Provides empty calories and carbohydrates
- High glycemic index
- Less expensive than sucrose
- Mixes well, helps prevent crystallization, adds bulk
- Contributes to obesity, metabolic syndrome in excess
Given its properties, some believe corn syrup may have an anti-constipation effect. But does the evidence support this?
Proposed Mechanisms for an Anti-Constipation Effect
There are a few reasons why corn syrup could potentially help relieve constipation:
- Osmotic effect – Unabsorbed sugars in the colon draw water into the intestines through osmosis. This increases the water content of stool.
- Sugar alcohols – Corn syrup can contain small amounts of maltitol and sorbitol which are poorly absorbed sugar alcohols with laxative effects.
- Increased fiber – Some corn syrups may provide a small amount of fiber which improves stool bulk.
- Altered gut flora – Sugars may promote growth of certain bacteria that improve stool consistency.
The primary explanation is the osmotic effect. The unabsorbed sugars retain water in the colon lumen. This is similar to how osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol work.
However, whether there is truly enough undigested sugar making it to the colon to have an osmotic effect is questionable. The small glucose polymers are likely readily absorbed in the small intestine. So does corn syrup live up to its purported benefits for constipation?
Studies on Corn Syrup and Constipation
There is limited direct evidence examining corn syrup’s effects on constipation. However, a few relevant studies provide some insights:
- A study in toddlers with chronic constipation tested replacing sucrose with HFCS. No differences were found in stool frequency or consistency.
- Multiple pediatric studies found no improvement in constipation with corn syrup-containing polycose supplements.
- Cow’s milk fortified with corn syrup solids increased stool frequency compared to regular milk in one small study in constipated children.
- Increasing carbohydrate content of enteral feeding formulas by adding corn syrup did not change constipation rates.
- Small amounts of lactulose, a non-digestible sugar used for constipation, are naturally present in HFCS. But levels are likely too low to have an effect.
Overall, the limited clinical studies to date do not show a beneficial effect of corn syrup on constipation. The results do not seem to support the proposed mechanisms of action. More robust randomized controlled trials are still needed though.
Expert Recommendations
Given the lack of convincing evidence, expert health organizations do not recommend corn syrup for constipation relief.
- The American College of Gastroenterology’s guidelines make no mention of corn syrup for constipation.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states sugar-containing drinks should not be used to manage constipation without medical advice.
- The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology does not include corn syrup on its list of recommended treatments.
- The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology warns against excessive fructose intake from juice for constipation.
Overall, mainstream medical recommendations do not advise using corn syrup as an at-home remedy for constipation at this time. More research is needed to validate its efficacy and safety.
Potential Downsides and Risks
Relying on corn syrup to help with constipation may not be advisable given the potential downsides:
- Empty calories and high glycemic index can contribute to weight gain
- May displace nutrient-dense foods in the diet
- Risk of osmotic diarrhea if consumed in excess
- Promotes unhealthy relationship with food
- Does not address root cause of constipation
- May delay seeking appropriate medical treatment
- Long-term safety is uncertain
Patients with diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity need to be especially cautious about high corn syrup intake. And those with chronic severe constipation require proper medical management.
Corn Syrup’s Effects May Depend on the Individual
It’s possible corn syrup could help relieve constipation for some people, even if evidence is lacking overall. Response likely depends on the individual and dosage.
Some factors that may determine whether corn syrup has a laxative effect include:
- Level of carbohydrate malabsorption – some individuals absorb sugars less efficiently
- Colon microbiome composition – certain microbes may interact with corn syrup
- Degree of constipation – mild vs severe cases
- Cause of constipation – motility disorders less likely to respond
- Amount consumed – small occasional doses differ from excessive intake
- Corn syrup type – HFCS vs standard syrup vs glucose syrup
These variables make it hard to predict whether corn syrup will have a laxative effect in any given person. Those experiencing only occasional mild constipation may notice some benefit. But patients with chronic, severe constipation likely need more proven remedies.
The Verdict
Despite its theoretical mechanisms and anecdotal support, there is currently limited evidence that corn syrup effectively treats constipation. Expert guidelines do not recommend it as a remedy. And the potential downsides warrant caution with this approach. Corn syrup is not considered an appropriate first-line or standalone treatment.
However, in some individuals with mild sporadic constipation, corn syrup may provide some relief. The sugars draw water into the colon and soften stools in higher doses. But benefits likely depend on the person and circumstances. Those with chronic persistent constipation should opt for more proven remedies. And corn syrup should not replace lifestyle measures like increased fiber and fluids.
More rigorous clinical studies are still needed on corn syrup’s effects on bowel function. But based on the available evidence, corn syrup should be viewed as an adjuvant at most, not a primary treatment, for constipation relief.
Key Points
- Constipation is very common, affecting people of all ages.
- Severe constipation can cause complications like fecal impaction and bowel obstruction.
- Proposed mechanisms for corn syrup’s effects include osmosis, sugar alcohols, fiber, and gut flora.
- Clinical studies have not found corn syrup to be an effective treatment for constipation so far.
- Mainstream medical guidelines do not recommend corn syrup for constipation.
- Potential downsides include excess calories, weight gain, diarrhea, and delay in proper treatment.
- Corn syrup may provide some relief for mild sporadic constipation in certain individuals.
- More research is needed, but corn syrup is not considered a first-line treatment.
In conclusion, while it may help some people anecdotally, corn syrup is not a proven remedy for constipation at this time. More rigorous clinical trials are warranted before recommending it as a mainstream treatment. Lifestyle measures and established remedies should be tried first. Corn syrup is more of an adjuvant than primary therapy for occasional constipation relief in select circumstances. Patients with chronic severe constipation need proper medical treatment.