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Cows milk consumption in constipation and anal fissure in infants and young children

F Andiran1, S Dayi, E Mete

  • 1Departments of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics, Fatih University, Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey. fandiran@ttnet.net.tr

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High cow's milk intake and short breastfeeding duration are linked to constipation and anal fissures in young children. These dietary factors may contribute to these common pediatric gastrointestinal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Constipation and anal fissures are common in infants and young children.
  • Dietary factors, including cow's milk consumption and breastfeeding, are suspected contributors.
  • Understanding these associations can inform preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between daily cow's milk intake and breastfeeding duration in children with constipation and anal fissure.
  • To compare these dietary factors between affected children and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of two groups of 30 children (4 months to 3 years old).
  • Group I: Children with chronic constipation and anal fissure (excluding surgical causes).
  • Group II: Healthy children. Data collected on cow's milk consumption and breastfeeding duration.

Main Results:

  • Children with constipation/fissure consumed significantly more cow's milk daily (756 mL vs. 253 mL, P < 0.001).
  • Affected children were breastfed for a shorter duration (5.8 months vs. 10.1 months, P < 0.006).
  • High cow's milk intake (>200 mL/day) and short breastfeeding (<4 months) showed significant odds ratios for constipation/fissure.

Conclusions:

  • Increased cow's milk consumption may be associated with constipation and anal fissure in infants and young children.
  • Shorter breastfeeding duration and early introduction of cow's milk formula might play a role in developing these conditions.
  • Dietary modifications, including optimizing milk intake and breastfeeding, could be beneficial for prevention.
Abstract

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