Children and Constipation

Children and Constipation

Joy Stepinski, MSN, RN-BC

April 4, 2023

Constipation is a huge problem among children and adults alike. Among the pediatric population, there is a global prevalence of 9.5 to 16% [1], affecting more children in the United States and Europe than in Africa. The problem is a common reason for doctor visits. Children dealing with infrequent stools also tend to be obese [2]. Furthermore, about 25% of children affected by constipation are thought to continue with it into adulthood.

Constipation causes may be psychological, such as emotional or behavioral issues, or physiological. Although there may be outliers, the literature consistently discusses lifestyle factors as a big culprit. Children are consuming low intake of fruits and vegetables, frequently visiting fast food restaurants, and not participating in sufficient exercise [1]. In fact, a small research study compared obese constipated adolescents (n = 8) with non-constipated (n = 14). The outcomes showed that the gut microbiome was significantly altered in constipated children. The disruption to the microbiome led to an imbalance of microbes, causing different bacterial fermentation end-products. The result appeared to play a role in constipation. The authors concluded that these results were due to a low-fiber diet.

Children need healthy foods just as much as adults. However, this is not reflected in modern-day kids’ meals of hot dogs, oily French fries, and chicken nuggets, nor among fast-food restaurants enticing children with added toys. Good nutrition with high fiber meals sets the stage for a healthier adulthood – one with a diverse microbiome, less potential for disease, and less issues with dreaded constipation!

References

 1.  Avelar Rodriguez, D., Popov, J., Ratcliffe, E. M., & Toro Monjaraz, E. M. (2021). Functional constipation and the gut microbiome in children: preclinical and clinical evidence. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 8, 595531. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.595531

 2.  Zhu, L., Liu, W., Alkhouri, R., Baker, R. D., Bard, J. E., Quigley, E. M., & Baker, S. S. (2014). Structural changes in the gut microbiome of constipated patients. Physiological genomics, 46(18), 679-686. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00082.2014