Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Prebiotics, such as inulin, oligofructose, and galactooligosaccharides, are non-digestible food components that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Their use in treating constipation in children is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews have investigated the effects of prebiotic supplementation on bowel habits in children with functional constipation. Studies indicate that prebiotics can increase stool frequency and improve stool consistency, likely by enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids and increasing water content in the colon through fermentation by gut microbiota.

For example, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis (Cheng et al., World J Pediatr 2021) found that prebiotic supplementation was associated with increased stool frequency in children with constipation compared to placebo. Another RCT (Closa-Monasterolo et al., J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017) showed that infants given formula supplemented with prebiotics had softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. The evidence is not entirely uniform—some studies show modest or non-significant benefits—but overall, the majority of well-conducted trials and reviews support a beneficial effect.

Major guidelines, such as those from the North American and European Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN), acknowledge that prebiotics may be helpful as adjuncts in managing childhood constipation, though they are not considered first-line therapy. Thus, the use of prebiotics for pediatric constipation is supported by scientific evidence, with moderate to strong support from clinical trials and meta-analyses.

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