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Fiber May Improve Constipation in Children

Research published in the journal Pediatrics indicates fiber supplements may be more effective than other non-pharmacologic treatments or placebo in treating childhood constipation.

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By: Sean Moloughney

Editor, Nutraceuticals World

Research published in the journal Pediatrics indicates fiber supplements may be more effective than other non-pharmacologic treatments or placebo in treating childhood constipation.

Researchers sought to summarize the evidence and assess the reported quality of studies concerning non-pharmacologic treatments for childhood constipation, including fiber, fluid, physical movement, prebiotics, probiotics, behavioral therapy, multidisciplinary treatment, and forms of alternative medicine.

Researchers searched three major electronic databases and reference lists of existing reviews, including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They included nine studies with 640 children. Considerable heterogeneity across studies precluded meta-analysis. They said they found no RCTs for physical movement, multidisciplinary treatment, or alternative medicine.

According to study authors, “some evidence shows that fiber may be more effective than placebo in improving both the frequency and consistency of stools and in reducing abdominal pain. Compared with normal fluid intake, we found no evidence that water intake increases or that hyperosmolar fluid treatment is more effective in increasing stool frequency or decreasing difficulty in passing stools. We found no evidence to recommend the use of prebiotics or probiotics. Behavioral therapy with laxatives is not more effective than laxatives alone.”

Researchers also concluded there is a lack of well-designed, high quality RCTs concerning non-pharmacologic treatments for children with functional constipation.

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