Prevention of pediatric functional constipation: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a narrative review of strategies and actions that can contribute to the prevention of functional constipation in children and adolescents. SOURCE: This narrative review used articles indexed predominantly in the PubMed database and compiled by the author over the past 30 years. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: No specific prospective population-based studies have evaluated the effectiveness of preventive measures against constipation. However, some measures can contribute to the prevention of functional constipation, such as training healthcare professionals and educating the general population about the importance of breastfeeding, providing proper toilet training guidance, and encouraging actions to avoid postponing bowel movements. Nutrition is important at all life stages. When breastfeeding is prematurely discontinued, infant formulas are more effective than cow's milk. Dietary fiber and water intake are frequently below recommended levels. Therefore, after introducing complementary feeding throughout life, the adoption of healthy eating habits, including adequate dietary fiber and fluid intake, should be recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures for functional constipation have rarely been discussed in the literature. Training healthcare professionals and educating the general population are important for understanding the physiology of defecation from newborns to adulthood and avoiding unnecessary dietary changes or therapeutic measures. After introducing complementary feeding throughout life, the adoption of healthy eating habits, including adequate dietary fiber and fluid intake, should be recommended.