Constipation

Constipation

For each infant trouble, Novalac offers an adapted nutritional solution.

Prevalence of functional constipation in the 1st year of life varies between 0.05% to 39.3%1

this large range being probably due to differences across studies in their design, their setting, and the diagnosis criteria used and 17.6% of all infants below 6 months suffer from constipation2.Constipation mainly occurs when the infant experiences a painful defecation: by the infant: he/she then voluntarily retains passing his stools, causing prolonged fecal stasis in the colon, and resulting in fluid reabsorption as well as an increse size and consistency of stools3.

After several days without bowel movements, the most common symptoms are irritability, abdominal distension, cramps and decreased food intake3.

Causes of constipation in babies are numerous: change of rhythm or environment, immaturity of the digestive system, diet (such as low fiber, unadapted diet to the needs of the infant, or poor dilution of powdered infant formula) but also toilet training, stressful events, undercurrent diseases are factors which may favor constipation.

If nothing is done to break down the vicious circle of constipation, it can lead to fecal incontinence, loss of rectal sensation and ultimately loss of normal urge to defecate4. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the problem of constipation in children and to comfort both children and parents.

  1. Vandenplas Y., et al., Prevalence and Health Outcomes of Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants From Birth to 12 Months of Age. JPGN 61: 531–537 (2015).
  2. Iacono G., et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms in infancy: a population-based prospective study. Dig Liver Dis 37, 432–438 (2005).
  3. Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 43, e1-13 (2006).
  4. Levy E. I., Lemmens R., Vandenplas Y. & Devreker T. Functional constipation in children: challenges and solutions. Pediatric Health Med Ther 8, 19–27 (2017).

Clinical trials and studies

The efficacy of Novalac formulas is evidenced in published clinical trials. Amongst them are some of the largest studies ever performed to date on anti-regurgitation formulas, extensively hydrolyzed formulas, and elemental (amino-acid) formulas.

2019

Constipation – Controlled randomized trial

Magnesium-rich formula for functional constipation in infants: a randomized comparator-controlled study

Pediatric Gastroenteroly, Hepatology & Nutrition, 2019 May, 22(3):270-281

Benninga Marc A, Mena Infant Constipation Study Group, Vandenplas Y

The aim is to compare the effectiveness of the magnesium (Mg)-enriched formula vs. control formula in constipated infants.

2011

Biochemical evidence

Modification of stool’s water content in constipated infants: management with an adapted infant formula

Nutrition Journal, 2011, 10:55

Infante DD, Segarra OO, Redecillas SS, Alvarez MM, Miserachs MM

Constipation is a common occurrence in formula-fed infants. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of a formula with high levels of lactose and magnesium, in compliance with the official regulations, on stool water content, as well as a parental assessment of constipation.

2008

Prevalence of GI disorders – Efficacy in management

Prevalence and dietetic management of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants

World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2008, 14(2):248-54

Infante Pina D, Badia Llach X, Ariño-Armengol B, Villegas Iglesias V

The aim is to assess the prevalence of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants in paediatric practice, and to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction with dietetic treatment.

2007

Efficacy

Therapeutic effect of Novalac-IT in infants with constipation

Nutrition, 2007, 23(6):469-73

Chao HC, Vandenplas Y

Infant constipation is a frequent condition in formula-fed infants.

A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed in infants who had constipation with Novalac-IT (IT group) versus a 20% strengthened formula (S group). Enrolled subjects had difficulties in defecating, hard stools, or low frequency of defecation (< or =3 times/wk) (…).

2002

Hirschsprung’s disease, prevention of constipation

Preventive use of a milk causing intestinal hyperosmolarity, from infants having operated for Hirschsprung’s disease

Revue Internationale de Pédiatrie, 2002, Tome XXXIII, n° 319:28-30

Smarropoulos E, Liolios N, Netskos D, Anagnostopoulos D

Constipation may be early or a late complication of the surgical management, according to the Duhamel procedure, in infants affected by Hirschsprung’s disease. The present study aims to assess the response of infant’s gastrointestinal system towards the follow-on formula Novalac IT2. The aspect and frequency of the stools as well as the characteristics of defecation are observed in two groups of 5 infants each fed either Novalac IT2 or standard follow-on formula.

The results are impressive from the first 24 hours with the observation of soft stools in every infant fed with Novalac IT2. Novlaac IT2 promotes intestinal intraluminal osmolarity leading to normal defecations associated with minimal discomfort, as well as parents’ reassurance who saw for the first time their child relieved.

Furthermore, none of the subjects fed with Novalac IT2 ever visited again the hospital because of constipation, meaning economy for both, families and medical personnel.