Effect of 4'galactooligosaccharide on constipation symptoms

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides are known to soften stools and increase bowel movement frequency in infant formula.
• Chronic constipation is a common pediatric issue affecting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) in managing chronic constipation in pediatric patients.
• To assess GOS's impact on bowel movement frequency, straining, and stool consistency.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 20 constipated children aged 4-16 years.
• Participants received either 1.7g of GOS or maltodextrin placebo for 30 days, followed by a 15-day washout period.
• Symptom severity was assessed using a numerical scale, with data collected at baseline and during treatment periods.

Main Results:

• GOS significantly increased bowel movement frequency compared to placebo (p<0.0001).
• Galactooligosaccharide effectively reduced straining during defecation (p<0.0001) and improved stool consistency (p=0.0014).
• No adverse side effects were reported by patients receiving GOS.

Conclusions:

• Galactooligosaccharide is an effective intervention for improving clinical symptoms of constipation in children.
• GOS demonstrates a favorable safety profile for pediatric use in managing chronic constipation.