Are diet and constipation related in children?
Constipation is a common complaint in childhood, and the etiology of many healthcare referrals. Despite literature documenting the high frequency of this problem, there is little research directly relating the food consumed and the eventual stool consistency. There is literature suggesting the importance of adequate fiber intake in children to maintain soft stools. Other dietary modifications actually have not been shown to be helpful or are not based on actual clinical studies. The presence of dietary allergies may also contribute to etiology of constipation. More studies to provide further linkages between diet and constipation are clearly needed.
Corkins
Mark R
MR
Riley Hospital for Children/Indiana University, 702 Barnhill Drive, ROC 4210, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. MRCorkin@pol.net
D002648:Child; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence