Prune juice doses for constipation in older adults.
Official title: The Effects of Different Doses of Prune Juice on Bowel Movement Patterns, Constipation Symptoms, and Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities
Run by Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital · NCT06963125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether drinking 100 mL, 150 mL, or 200 mL of prune juice daily helps people aged 65–100 with functional constipation over four weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chiayi City, Chiayi County) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06963125 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are cognitively aware long-term care residents aged 65–100 with a diagnosis of functional constipation and without the listed exclusion conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diabetes, significant gastrointestinal diseases, swallowing difficulties, major illnesses, cognitive impairment, or those currently hospitalized are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Ninety older adults (65–100) with functional constipation who live in licensed long-term care institutions in the Chiayi region will be randomized to receive 100 mL, 150 mL, or 200 mL of prune juice daily for four weeks. The factorial design tracks bowel movement patterns, constipation symptoms, and quality of life at five time points from baseline through week four (T0–T4). Eligible participants must be cognitively aware and able to express their opinions; common exclusions include diabetes, major gastrointestinal diseases, swallowing risk, recent abdominal surgery, regular probiotic or traditional remedy use, severe comorbidities, or current hospitalization. Outcomes will compare safety and symptom changes between the three dose groups to identify a safe, effective non-pharmacological dosage for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, a daily dose of prune juice could offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce constipation symptoms and improve quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials using prunes or prune products have shown benefit for constipation in adults, so this approach builds on existing positive evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults aged 65 to 100 years * Cognitively aware and able to express their opinions * Diagnosed with functional constipation Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus * Cognitive impairment, including moderate to severe dementia or psychiatric disorders * Aphasia * Severe hearing impairment * Presence of gastrointestinal diseases, including: * Gastrointestinal bleeding * Intestinal obstruction * Abdominal tumors * Irritable bowel syndrome * Acute diverticulitis * Diarrhea * Crohn's disease * Ulcerative colitis * History of abdominal surgery * Regular use of probiotics * Regular use of traditional Chinese medicine or folk remedies for constipation relief * Difficulty swallowing or risk of aspiration * Major illnesses, such as current cancer treatment or severe cardiovascular diseases * Currently hospitalized
Where it's running
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Licensed Long-Term Care Institutions in Chiayi Region
Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.