Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus fiber
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Citrus fiber, derived from the byproducts of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, is primarily composed of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. Dietary fiber is well-established in the scientific literature as beneficial for relieving constipation, including in pediatric populations. Several studies and clinical guidelines recommend fiber supplementation as a first-line intervention for childhood constipation. Citrus fiber, in particular, has been investigated for its water-holding capacity and its ability to increase stool bulk and frequency, which help promote bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation.
While there are numerous studies supporting the general use of dietary fiber for constipation in children, direct research specifically on citrus fiber is more limited. However, the mechanism of action is biologically plausible and consistent with other types of plant-based fiber. Reviews and some clinical trials suggest that fiber from various sources, including citrus, can be effective and is well-tolerated in pediatric populations. Notably, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guidelines acknowledge fiber as a safe adjunct in the management of constipation in children.
Overall, while citrus fiber specifically has less direct pediatric clinical data than other fibers (e.g., psyllium, wheat bran), its use is supported by scientific understanding of fiber’s effects and is considered reasonable, with a moderate level of evidence.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fruit
Fiber
Frangula
Fructan
Galactomannan
Galactooligosaccharides
Glucofrangulin
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Citrus fiber
Cholesterol (high)Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome
Triglycerides (high)
