The Magnesium-Rich Formula for Functional Constipation in Infants: a Randomized Comparator-Controlled Study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infant Nutrition
• Digestive Health

Background:

• Functional constipation is a common issue in formula-fed infants.
• Current management strategies may have limitations.
• The role of magnesium in infant gut motility warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a magnesium (Mg)-enriched formula versus a control formula in infants experiencing functional constipation.
• To evaluate the impact of Mg-enriched formula on stool consistency and frequency.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, randomized, controlled study involving formula-fed infants (≤6 months) with functional constipation.
• Infants were assigned to receive either Mg-enriched or control formula for 30 days.
• Stool consistency and frequency were recorded by parents; clinical examinations were performed by physicians.

Main Results:

• The Mg-enriched formula group showed significantly higher rates of normal stool consistency (81.8% vs. 41.1%) and daily bowel movements (86.7% vs. 68.2%) after 7 days.
• >25% of infants on Mg-enriched formula achieved complete response by days 7 and 29, compared to <5% on control formula.
• Parental satisfaction was markedly higher (80.8% vs. 10.2%) with the Mg-enriched formula, with 97.9% willing to continue treatment.

Conclusions:

• Magnesium-enriched formula is a safe and effective intervention for improving stool consistency and frequency in constipated infants.
• The Mg-enriched formula demonstrates superior efficacy compared to standard formula for infant constipation.
• High parental satisfaction suggests good tolerability and acceptance of the Mg-enriched formula.