Effects of Synbiotics on FC and Other Contributing Factors

Inclusion Criteria: * Malaysian of either gender; * 18 to 65 years old; * Body mass index (BMI) 16.0 to 29.9 kg/m2; * Positively diagnosed with functional constipation with Rome III-defined constipation module by the gastroenterologist Exclusion Criteria: * Vulnerable groups of pregnant and breastfeeding women; * Physically or mentally handicapped individuals; * Diagnosed with organic constipation (constipation associated with any neoplastic diseases, neuropathy or mechanical obstruction); * Diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, neurological disease or other serious illnesses or severe medical complications; * Faced alarm features indicative of colorectal cancer, metabolic disease and a history of gastrointestinal surgery. To avoid the likelihood of co-intervention bias, the following respondents were excluded: * On gastrointestinal medications; * Consumed probiotics or synbiotic products more than once a week in two weeks preceding screening or during intervention period; * Regularly used laxatives (more than once per week), used anticholinergics, anti-diarrheals, antibiotics or laxative in two weeks preceding screening or at any point during intervention.