Modification of stool's water content in constipated infants: management with an adapted infant formula

Nutrition Journal

Short Report

Mar M Miserachs¹  Marina M Alvarez¹  Oscar O Segarra¹  Susana S Redecillas¹  Dámaso D Infante¹ 

[1] 1 Unit of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;

关键词: constipation;    infant;    NIRA;    lactose;    magnesium;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1475-2891-10-55

 received in 2010-07-16, accepted in 2011-05-19,  发布年份 2011

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundConstipation is a common occurrence in formula-fed infants. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of a formula with high levels of lactose and magnesium, in compliance with the official regulations, on stool water content, as well as a parental assessment of constipation.Materials and methodsThirty healthy term-born, formula-fed infants, aged 4-10 weeks, with functional constipation were included. All infants were full-term and fed standard formula. Exclusion criteria were preterm and/or low birth weight, organic constipation, being breast fed or fed a formula specially designed to treat constipation. Stool composition was measured by near-infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA) and parents answered questions about crying associated with defecation and stool consistency at baseline and after two weeks of the adapted formula.ResultsAfter 2 weeks of the adapted formula, stool water content increased from 71 +/- 8.1% to 84 +/- 5.9%, (p < 0.02). There was no significant change in the stool's fat, protein or carbohydrate content. Parental impressions of constipation were improved with the decrease in stool hardness (100% with hard stools at baseline, 10% after 2 weeks), pain with defecation (90% at baseline, 10% after 2 weeks), and the requirement for rectal stimulation to achieve defecation (70% at baseline, 30% after 2 weeks, p < 0.001 for all three indicators).ConclusionsThis preliminary study suggests that an adapted formula with high levels of lactose and magnesium increases stool water content and improves symptoms of constipation in term-born, formula-fed infants. A larger randomized placebo-controlled trial is indicated.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Infante et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011