7th October, 2011: Prunes are shown to be more effective, safe, and palatable than psyllium for the treatment of mild to moderate constipation in the general population, according to results of a randomized clinical trial recently published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Constipation is a common problem that affects up to 20 percent of the world’s population. Many people are looking for a natural, food-based solution to over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements. There is an unmet need for natural, safe alternatives which can now be fulfilled by Prunes.

Lead researcher Satish Rao MD, PhD, Division of Gastro-enterology/Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics said: “Forty adult males and females, suffering from chronic constipation, were enrolled in an eight week study. Participants received a total of 6 grams of fiber from either 50 grams of Prunes (about 5-6) eaten twice a day or 11 grams of psyllium (1 tablespoon psyllium) taken in water twice a day for 3 weeks each, in a cross-over trial with a one-week washout period. The number of CSBM’s per week and stool consistency scores improved significantly (p<0.05) with Prunes when compared to psyllium. ”

Nutritionist Geetu Amarnani remarks, “A serving of four to five dried plums packs 3 full grams of fiber. About half of that is insoluble, which helps speed food through the digestive tract. The other half is slow-moving soluble fiber, good for enhancing satiety, lowering cholesterol and regulating blood-sugar levels. They both add up to a very healthy gut. ” She further adds, “Prunes provide a tasty and healthy solution to constipation. Often, kids and even adults, dislike taking psyllium for curing constipation. Consuming prunes is a convenient and healthy option. They can easily be incorporated daily into meals or taken as a snack at any time of the day. They are easy to store and don’t spoil readily like fresh fruits.” Prunes also have the highest antioxidant power of all fruits and are cholesterol, sodium and fat free. They are high in antioxidants called phenols and are believed to be beneficial to the tissues of the body. They are a rich source of several micronutrients involved in bone metabolism, including potassium, vitamin K, and boron.

Prunes are grown in California, Chile, France, Argentina, Australia, Italy and South Africa and are now available at leading grocery stores in India.

About International Prune Association

Created in Agen (France) in January 1990, the International Prune Association (IPA) objectives are to set up a permanent link between world prune producers in order to co-ordinate actions aimed at protecting producers' interests and to increase world consumption of prunes. IPA encourages, develops and exchanges up to date information concerning production and market trends between members. The Association comprises of prune growers and packers and organizations representing prune producers.

About The SCS Group

The SCS Group is an agribusiness consulting firm specializing in marketing, international trade and communications strategy related to food, beverage and agricultural products. The firm has an intimate understanding of the evolving tastes and purchasing patterns of premium foods by the Indian consumer as their disposable incomes grow and they integrate into the global economy. The SCS Group has been a pioneer in nutrition based marketing in the country. The company also represents Fresh California Grapes, USA Pears, Washington Apples and California Walnuts among others, in India.