Chronic constipation in children: can it be managed by diet alone?

Chronic constipation is a common childhood problem. In a study of 60 children aged 2 to 12 years, a special diet that involved daily intake of raw bran and high-fiber foods and exclusion of milk and other constipating foods was found to be successful. Within six weeks, the problem resolved in all 60 patients. Milk and other restricted foods were returned slowly to the diet if they were found not to be a contributing factor to constipation. We believe our clinical observations support the prescription of a special diet for childhood constipation. For patients in whom specified organic causes have been excluded, we recommend a trial of this diet before other, more complex therapeutic efforts are undertaken. Implementation of the diet necessitates careful explanation to the child and family, as well as long-term follow-up.