A narrative review on the diagnosis and management of constipation in infants.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the evidence supporting the addition of magnesium to infant formula for treating constipation.
Results Summary
The study found limited evidence to support the use of magnesium in infant formula for treating constipation, indicating its efficacy is not well-established.
Population
Formula-fed infants with constipation.
Effective Dosage
Not mentioned
Duration
Not mentioned
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
adaptations in formula composition | decrease | prevalence of infant constipation | formula-fed infants | - | can be associated with | #1 |
supplementation of infant formula with pro-, pre- and/or synbiotics | decrease | prevalence of constipation | - | - | decreases | #2 |
supplementation of infant formula with pro-, pre- and/or synbiotics | no change | efficacy | constipated infants | - | disappointing | #3 |
addition of magnesium to infant formula | neutral | treat constipation | - | - | limited evidence to support | #4 |
polyethylene glycol | increase | efficacy and safety | children < 2 years | - | evidence for the efficacy and safety has expanded | #5 |
lactulose or polyethylene glycol | neutral | medical management | - | - | is the preferred medical management | #6 |
INTRODUCTION: Functional constipation is one of the common disorders of gut-brain interaction in infancy, and decreases the quality of life of infants and parents. AREAS COVERED: Relevant articles up to November 2022 were reviewed. We searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE for guidelines, position papers, reviews, and randomized controlled trials on infant constipation. EXPERT OPINION: Randomized controlled trials in this specific age group are mostly limited to trials with infant formula. The prevalence of infant constipation in formula-fed infants is decreasing, and can be associated with adaptations in formula composition. While the supplementation of infant formula with pro-, pre- and/or synbiotics decreases the prevalence of constipation, their efficacy in constipated infants is disappointing. There is limited evidence to support the addition of magnesium to infant formula to treat constipation. The evidence for the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol in children < 2 years has expanded over the past years. The administration of lactulose or polyethylene glycol is the preferred medical management, in case nutritional management does result in insufficient improvement.