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Effect of glucomannan on functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised
Yong Han1, Lei Zhang1, Xiang-Qun Liu1
1Department of Nutrition, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
Insights
Glucomannan moderately increases bowel movement frequency in children with constipation. However, it did not significantly improve stool consistency or treatment success rates in this review of randomized controlled trials.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Dietary Fiber Research
- Clinical Trial Analysis
Background:
- Childhood constipation significantly impacts quality of life.
- Effective treatments for pediatric constipation are crucial.
- Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fiber with potential laxative effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on glucomannan for treating constipation in children.
- To assess the efficacy of glucomannan in improving defecation frequency, stool consistency, and treatment success rates.
- To summarize the current evidence on glucomannan's effectiveness in pediatric constipation management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search identified eligible RCTs.
- Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis with a random effects model.
- Outcomes included defecation frequency, stool consistency, and successful treatment rates.
Main Results:
- Three RCTs involving 122 children were analyzed.
- Glucomannan use significantly increased defecation frequency (MD=1.40, p=0.008).
- No significant differences were found in stool consistency (SMD=0.48, p=0.300) or successful treatment rates (RR=1.36, p=0.110).
Conclusions:
- Glucomannan moderately enhances bowel movement frequency in constipated children.
- It does not appear to improve stool consistency or overall treatment success.
- Further large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and long-term safety due to small sample sizes and potential product variations.
Background And Objectives:
Constipation, a common complaint in children, considerably affects the quality of life. This systematic review assessed the treatment effects of glucomannan on children with constipation by summarising evidence from previous randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods And Study Design:
A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted for identifying eligible RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of glucomannan. The results were reported as mean differences (MDs), standardised mean differences (SMDs), and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was the defecation frequency per week; the secondary outcomes were stool consistency and the rate of successful treatment. A metaanalysis was conducted using the random effects model.
Results:
Three RCTs evaluating 122 participants were identified. Glucomannan use was associated with an increased frequency of defecation (3 trials; MD=1.40; 95% CI: 0.36-2.44, p=0.008); however, there were no significant differences in the outcomes of stool consistency (3 trials; SMD=0.48; 95% CI: -0.44 to 1.40, p=0.300) or the rate of successful treatment (2 trials; RR=1.36; 95% CI: 0.48-3.81, p=0.110).
Conclusions:
Glucomannan moderately increases the defecation frequency of children with constipation but is not associated with a reduction in stool consistency or overall improvement in the rate of successful treatment. However, these results should be cautiously interpreted because of the small sample size and the risk of products containing glucomannan need to be considered. Additional large-scale and well-designed RCTs are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of glucomannan.
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