The effect of mother’s and infant nutrition on functional constipation in children between 1-4 months

Objective: Constipation is the infrequent and painful passage of hardened stools, occurring less than three times a week, often accompanied by excessive straining and discomfort. Functional constipation is the most important gastrointestinal complaint of childhood. Limited literature explores the correlation between functional constipation and infant nutrition. Our study aims to investigate the association between maternal and infant nutrition and functional constipation among infants between 1-4 months. Method: The research is a cross-sectional study. Two groups involved cases from the pediatric clinic, which presented complaints of constipation within the age range of 1 to 4 months, and the control group, which consisted of individuals without any reported constipation issues. Mothers participating in the study completed a questionnaire comprising two sections: one focusing on patient assessment and the mother’s diet. Results: The study encompassed seventy-five cases reporting constipation issues, with the control group comprising thirty cases. Functional constipation was most observed at 78 days of age. Children experiencing functional constipation exhibited lower weight and height values, demonstrating statistical significance. Additionally, 94.7% of infants facing defecation challenges had a history of meconium within the first 24 hours of birth. Factors such as alterations in familial defecation patterns and a history of constipation among first-degree relatives were notably higher in the case group. The incidence of functional constipation was notably elevated by cesarean section and those not receiving breast milk. Furthermore, maternal dietary habits indicated higher consumption of milk, fruit juice, yogurt, vegetables, and legumes among the healthy group, with statistically significant disparities observed. Conclusion: Functional constipation in infants can associated with cesarean section, a high number of siblings, low parental education levels, familial history of altered defecation patterns, and constipation among first-degree relatives; additionally, formula feeding, maternal consumption of low-fiber foods, and inadequate fluid intake by the mother.