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Measurement of low dietary fiber intake as a risk factor for chronic constipation in children

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, ISSN: 0277-2116, Vol: 29, Issue: 2, Page: 132-135
1999
  • 148
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 50
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    148
    • Citation Indexes
      144
    • Clinical Citations
      2
      • PubMed Guidelines
        2
    • Policy Citations
      2
      • 2
  • Captures
    50

Article Description

Background: Scarce information exists regarding dietary fiber intake in children with chronic constipation. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the intake of fiber as a risk factor for chronic constipation. Methods: Fifty-two children with a mean age of 6.8 τ 3.2 years who had chronic constipation were age and gender matched with 52 children with normal intestinal habits. The fiber content of the diet was evaluated with a 24-hour dietary recall. Two tables of fiber composition in foods were used: a Brazilian table, and a table based on the method of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC). Results: According to the Brazilian table, the median intake of fiber (in grams per day) by the constipated and the control groups was 13.8 and 17.3, respectively, for total fiber (p = 0.020), 6.8 and 9.7 for insoluble fiber (p = 0.004), and 6.5 and 7.6 for soluble fiber (p = 0.104). According to the AOAC table, the constipation group (9.7 g/day) also had lower (p = 0.0022) intake of total fiber than the control group (12.6 g/day). The coefficient of correlation between the two tables on fiber content of food was +0.82 (p < 0.001) in the constipation group and +0.86 (p < 0.001) in the control group. The intake of fiber was less than the minimum recommendation (age + 5 g) and statistically associated (p = 0.001) with the constipation group (75.0%) in comparison with the controls (42.5%). The odds ratio was 4.1 (95% confidence limits, 1.64-10.32). Conclusion: Intake of fiber below the minimum recommendation is a risk factor for chronic constipation in children. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Inc.

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