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Long the object of jokes, prunes may now have the last laugh. New research demonstrates that prunes (dried plums) are more effective than psyllium fiber in combating constipation.
In a randomized control crossover trial funded by the California Dried Plum Board but conducted independently at the University of Iowa, Satish Rao, MD, PhD, and colleagues recruited 40 constipated men and women, average age 38. Participants received a total of 6 grams of daily fiber from either 50 grams of dried plums (1.76 ounces, or about 5 to 6 prunes) eaten twice a day or 11 grams of psyllium (1 tablespoon, such as Metamucil) taken in water twice a day. Each regimen was followed for three weeks, with a one-week "washout" period in-between. Participants kept diaries of symptoms and their success in relieving constipation.
Although both supplements increased the number of complete bowel...