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The Effects of Ginger Supplementation on Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed



Foshati S1 ; Poursadeghfard M2 ; Heidari Z3 ; Amani R4
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  2. 2. Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Published:2023


Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms affect more than 80% of individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Ginger is widely known for its GI relieving properties. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ginger supplementation on common GI symptoms in RRMS patients. Methods: This study was a 12-week double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial with a 3-week run-in period. The intervention (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups received 500 mg ginger and placebo (as corn) supplements 3 times a day along with main meals, respectively. At the beginning and end of the trial, the frequency and severity of constipation, dysphagia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, belching, flatulence, heartburn, anorexia, and nausea were assessed using the visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Totally, 49 participants completed the study. However, data analysis was performed on all 52 participants based on the intention-to-treat principle. Results: In comparison with placebo, ginger supplementation resulted in significant or near-significant reductions in the frequency (-23.63 ± 5.36 vs. 14.81 ± 2.78, P < 0.001) and severity (-24.15 ± 5.10 vs. 11.39 ± 3.23, P < 0.001) of constipation, the frequency (-12.41 ± 3.75 vs. 3.75 ± 1.82, P < 0.001) and severity (-13.43 ± 4.91 vs. 6.88 ± 2.69, P = 0.001) of nausea, the frequency (-9.31 ± 4.44 vs. 1.56 ± 4.05, P = 0.098) and severity (-11.57 ± 5.09 vs. 3.97 ± 3.99, P = 0.047) of bloating, and the severity of abdominal pain (-5.69 ± 3.66 vs. 3.43 ± 3.26, P = 0.069). Conclusion: Ginger consumption can improve constipation, nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain in patients with RRMS. Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir ) under the registration number IRCT20180818040827N3 on 06/10/2021. © 2023, The Author(s).
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