Introduction

Functional constipation is common among children. Appropriate diet seems to be important in therapy.

Aim

Quantity and quality of dietary components among children with functional constipation are to be assessed.

Material and methods

50 children with constipation (aged 3-18) were assessed referring to the nutrition manner. 30 patients without constipation were a control group. Dietary analysis was based on the dietary history and on the Dietetyk-programme-formulated menu.

Results

Constipated children were slightly more overweight or obese than the control group (p = 0.700). Fibre intake was lower in the investigated-group (0.35 ± 0.1 g/kg/d) than in the control-group children (0.55 ± 0.1 g/kg/d). Calcium intake was comparable among the constipated (813 ± 182.4 mg/d) and the controlled (941.7 ± 176.1 mg/d)(p = 0.019). Differences in magnesium intake were observed as 128 ± 91,4 mg/d and 241 ± 103.8 mg/d in the investigated and the control group respectively (p = 0,019). Fluid intake in the constipated group was 61 ± 22.4 ml/kg/d and 71.7 ± 9.8 ml/kg/d in the control group (p = 0.012). Fruit and vegetables consumption was 334.3 ± 118.3 g/d among children with constipation and 400 ± 84.6 g/d among children without constipation. Snacking at night or before bed-time was observed among 5 constipated children (10%) and 2 children from the control group (6.5%). Snacking between meals was noticed among 40 children with constipation (80%) and 21 children without constipation (70%). Nutrition-manner analysis showed the right fibre intake among 20% constipated patients and among 47% control-group patients.

Conclusions

Most children with constipation use inappropriate diet or wrong nutrition habits. Dietary advice may be indispensable in non-pharmacological treatment of children with constipation.