Abstract: There are different subtypes of functional constipation, and the patient's condition is complex and difficult to cure, so symptomatic intake of food source anti-constipation factors is the best daily maintenance means for patients with functional constipation. However, the study of food source anti-constipation factors is still limited. Systematic classification, in-depth understanding of the health mechanism of various types of factors, and comprehensive mastery of anti-constipation efficacy evaluation methods will contribute to the in-depth study of food source anti-constipation factors and the development of anti-constipation functional foods. This study proposes a classification method of food source anti-constipation factors, and speculated that there are symptomatic types of constipation for various anti-constipation factors. In addition, the health mechanism of different types of food source anti-constipation factors that have been previously reported are discussed, and the evaluation methods of anti-constipation efficacy currently used are summarized. In view of the existing problems in the current research area, at last, this paper prospected the development direction of food source anti-constipation factors in the future.