Non-pharmacologic approach to pediatric constipation.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric issue.
• Pharmaceuticals for FC face parental and patient reluctance.
• Interest in over-the-counter nutraceuticals and botanicals for FC is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on non-pharmacologic constipation treatments in children.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these pediatric constipation modalities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of non-pharmacologic approaches for pediatric constipation.
• Analysis of studies on supplements, botanicals, mind-body interventions, and movement therapies.

Main Results:

• Data on pediatric non-pharmacologic treatments is sparse and often flawed.
• Prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber supplements show safety and emerging evidence.
• Mind-body and movement interventions are safe and show promise, requiring more study.

Conclusions:

• Non-pharmacologic options like fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, mind-body, and movement therapies are viable for pediatric FC.
• Further high-quality research is crucial to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles for these pediatric interventions.