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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation

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Effect of prebiotic oligosaccharides on bowel habit and the gut microbiota in children with functional constipation

Carrie A M Wegh1,2, Margriet H C Schoterman3, Elaine E Vaughan4

  • 1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. carriewegh@gmail.com.

Trials
|April 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates if prebiotic oligosaccharides can improve constipation symptoms in young children. The research aims to provide evidence for this common pediatric gastrointestinal issue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Functional constipation (FC) affects 9.5% of children globally, causing infrequent, painful stools, and abdominal pain.
  • Prebiotic oligosaccharides are known to alleviate constipation in adults, but their efficacy in children with FC is under-researched.
  • Existing evidence is insufficient to confirm the benefits of prebiotic oligosaccharides for pediatric functional constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of two prebiotic oligosaccharides in improving constipation symptoms in children aged 1-5 years.
  • To assess the impact of prebiotics on stool consistency, frequency, pain, and quality of life in children with FC.
  • To explore the effects of prebiotic supplementation on the gut microbiome composition and metabolites in pediatric FC.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study involving children aged 12-72 months diagnosed with FC (Rome IV criteria).
  • Participants received one of two prebiotic oligosaccharides or a placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week wash-out period.
  • Primary outcome: change in stool consistency; secondary outcomes: stool frequency, painful defecation, medication use, quality of life, and gut microbiome analysis.

Main Results:

  • This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol and not its results.
  • This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol and not its results.
  • This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol and not its results.

Conclusions:

  • This study will provide crucial data on the efficacy of prebiotic oligosaccharides for treating functional constipation in young children.
  • The findings are expected to inform clinical practice and potentially offer a new therapeutic option for pediatric FC.
  • Investigating the impact on the gut microbiome may reveal underlying mechanisms of action for prebiotics in childhood constipation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bowel habitFunctional constipationGastroenterologyGut microbiotaNutritionOligosaccharidesPaediatricsPrebioticStool consistencyStool frequency

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