Probiotics and Constipation in Children Raleigh NC

Constipation is a common problem in clinical practice. It does not, however, have one consistently used definition. Because of the wide range of normal bowel habits, constipation is difficult to define precisely. Stool frequency is most often used to describe constipation, and has been defined as less than three stools per week. Frequency alone, however, is not sufficient criterion to describe constipation, as patients often complain not only about frequency, but also about stool size or consistency, straining, lower abdominal pain or fullness, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

Common causes of constipation are not enough fiber in the diet; lack of physical activity; medications; other diseases or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or stroke; changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging and travel; abuse of laxatives; ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement; and dehydration.

A recent pilot study was performed to determine if a probiotic mixture could be used in the treatment of childhood constipation. Twenty children participated in the study and were given a daily supplement containing Bifidobacteria (B.) bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, Lactobacilli (L.) casei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus for four weeks. The results were the children's bowel movements increased from two per week to 4.2 after two weeks, and 3.8 after four weeks. Also, abdominal pain reported by the children went from 45 percent in the beginning of the study to only 20 percent after four weeks. There were no side effects reported. The researchers concluded that a mixture of probiotics alleviated abdominal pain and had beneficial effects on the symptoms of constipation.¹

¹ Bekkali N, Bongers ME, Van den Berg MM, et al. The role of a probiotics mixture in the treatment of childhood constipation: a pilot study. Nutr J. Aug2007;6(1):17.