Lactitol
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Lactitol (Lactitol (4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 328 participants, researched for Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Prebiotic & Gut Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Constipation
StrongHepatic Encephalopathy
ModeratePrebiotic & Gut Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Constipation
To compare lactitol with lactulose for chronic constipation.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To compare lactitol with lactulose for chronic constipation.
Dose
20 g/day lactitol vs 20 g/day lactulose
Participants
75 patients with chronic constipation
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Lactitol and lactulose showed comparable efficacy for constipation. Lactitol was better tolerated with significantly less bloating and flatulence than lactulose.
How They Measured It
Stool frequency, consistency, straining, patient preference
To evaluate lactitol for chronic constipation in elderly patients.
Study Type
Multi-center, randomised, double-blind
Purpose
To evaluate lactitol for chronic constipation in elderly patients.
Dose
10-20 g/day lactitol
Participants
120 elderly patients with chronic constipation
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Lactitol significantly increased stool frequency and reduced straining. Quality of life improved significantly. Dose of 10 g/day was effective for most patients.
How They Measured It
Stool frequency, straining, laxative use, quality of life
To compare lactitol with lactulose for chronic constipation.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To compare lactitol with lactulose for chronic constipation.
Dose
Various (10-30 g/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs, 624 patients
Duration
2-12 weeks
Results
Lactitol showed similar efficacy to lactulose for constipation. Significantly fewer GI side effects (bloating, flatulence) with lactitol. Both superior to placebo.
How They Measured It
Pooled stool frequency, consistency, adverse effects
Hepatic Encephalopathy
To compare lactitol with lactulose for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To compare lactitol with lactulose for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
Dose
Various (30-60 g/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs, 220 patients with HE
Duration
Various
Results
Lactitol showed comparable efficacy to lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy treatment. Better taste and tolerability profile with fewer cases of excessive diarrhea.
How They Measured It
Clinical improvement, portal systemic encephalopathy index, blood ammonia
To compare lactitol with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To compare lactitol with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
Dose
30 g/day lactitol vs 30 mL lactulose three times daily
Participants
40 patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Duration
3 months
Results
Both lactitol and lactulose significantly improved psychometric test scores and reduced blood ammonia. Lactitol was better tolerated with less bloating.
How They Measured It
Number connection test, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score, blood ammonia
Prebiotic & Gut Health
To evaluate prebiotic effects of lactitol on gut microbiome.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic effects of lactitol on gut microbiome.
Dose
10 g/day lactitol
Participants
36 healthy volunteers
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Lactitol significantly increased fecal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts. Fecal butyrate levels increased and pH decreased, indicating enhanced colonic fermentation.
How They Measured It
Fecal Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus counts, SCFA levels, fecal pH
To assess lactitol effects on gut microbiome composition and metabolic outputs.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess lactitol effects on gut microbiome composition and metabolic outputs.
Dose
12 g/day lactitol
Participants
44 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Lactitol significantly shifted gut microbiome towards saccharolytic profile with increased Bifidobacterium and decreased proteolytic bacteria. Fecal metabolomics showed reduced putrefactive metabolites.
How They Measured It
16S rRNA sequencing, metabolomics, intestinal gas production
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lactitol research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Lactitol (Lactitol (4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol)), involving 328 total participants. Research covers Constipation, Hepatic encephalopathy, Prebiotic effects and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Lactitol has been researched for: Constipation, Hepatic encephalopathy, Prebiotic effects, Gut health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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