Chronic constipation is a common problem in children and accounts for up to 3 percent of all visits to the pediatrician, according to a 2006 article in "Pediatrics." Although many medications are used to treat constipation, most parents and children prefer to use dietary changes as the first line of therapy.
Effects
Investigators in Taiwan studied more than 2,400 otherwise healthy children with chronic constipation between 2002 and 2006. Compared to a control group, the constipated children had much lower weight, height and body mass index or BMI. When treated for constipation with magnesium oxide, the constipated children who had a good response to treatment had significant improvements in weight, height and BMI. Although the treatment used was not dietary, the study, published in a 2008 issue of "Pediatric Research," shows that constipation can have a negative effect on growth in children.
Evidence
The best studied dietary recommendation is increased fiber in the diet. A study done in Spain and published in "Pediatrics" in 2006 demonstrated significant improvements in constipation in children given a fiber supplement vs. children given a placebo. Another study done at the University of Iowa and the University of Naples and published in "Pediatrics" in 2004 also demonstrated significant improvement in abdominal pain and constipation in children receiving a fiber supplement compared to children receiving a placebo.
Sources of Fiber
Fiber is carbohydrate that cannot be digested and is present in all plants eaten for food. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the best sources of fiber are whole grain foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and legumes, such as beans, peas and lentils. The fiber in wheat bran and oat bran is more effective at relieving constipation than the fiber in fruits and vegetables. As children eat more fiber, they also need to increase their intake of fluids, especially water, as fiber absorbs water. Constipated children should eat brown rice and whole grain foods instead of white rice, bread and pasta. They should eat more whole grain cereals, and snack on raw vegetables or nuts instead of chips, crackers or candy. They should also eat more fruits rather than fruit juices. If you are cooking for constipated children, substitute legumes for meat in chili and salads.
Daily Requirements
The daily dietary requirements for fiber depend on age and gender. See Resources for a table of recommended fiber intake.
Concerns
Although constipation is common and usually benign, it is sometimes due to more serious conditions. If your child has constipation and simple dietary changes don't resolve the problem, see your doctor to make sure there isn't an underlying cause for the constipation.
References
- Pediatrics"; A Controlled, Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supplement of Cocoa Husk That is Rich in Dietary Fiber on Colonic Transit Time in Pediatric Patients; Gemma Castillejo et al; 2006
- "Pediatric Research"; The Impact of Constipation on Growth in Children; HC Chao et al; 2008
- Pediatrics"; Fiber (Gluomannan) is Beneficial in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation; Vera Loening-Baucke et al; 2004
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source: Fiber:Start Roughing It!
