Childhood constipation

Constipation is defined as difficulty passing stools that may be infrequent (2 or less per week) and painful. In addition, stools can be hard and of a large diameter and the child may demonstrate withholding posture and behaviour.^1a,2a,b

• No organic cause (underlying illness) is found in over 90 % of children with constipation.^4a
• Only 60 % of children with constipation have successful treatment with laxatives.^4a
• A sizable proportion of children need long-term therapy.^4a
• Childhood constipation tends to peak between 2 and 4 years of age and is often associated with toilet training.^1b,4b

• Low consumption of dietary fibre
• stress or anxiety
• cow’s milk protein allergy
• lack of exercise
• the use of medications
• Another important cause is now evident, and that there may be an imbalance in the gut flora of patients with constipation.^4c

General management

Probiotics play an important role in restoring the balance of gut flora.^5a,6a

In addition, probiotics might improve the time it takes for food to move through the colon. This is beneficial in constipation as hard bulky stools are difficult to pass.^4d

Choosing a probiotic.

It is important to know that different types of probiotics have different health effects, the proven effect of one strain or species is not necessarily the same as another strain or species.^7a,b

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The bacteria used in Reuterina® is from the species Lactobacillus reuteri and, specifically, the strain DSM 17938.^5b,6b

Clinical studies have shown that Reuterina® treats functional chronic (long-term) constipation in infants and children.^3b,c,4h,9a

Clear evidence that Reuterina® works for constipation.^4h,9a