Constipation is an irregular bowel movement which leads to dry and hard stool.

–     Underfeeding causing lack of fluid/water aggravated by high environmental temperature

–     Formula low or free from lactose, high in fat, calcium, protein (casein) and low in phosphate

–     Intestinal diseases or deformities of the digestive tract

–     Neurological disorder causing decrease guts motility

–     Due to certain medications e.g. iron supplementation

Constipation may cause abdominal pain and pain during defecation. Hard and bulky stool will cause tear to the perianal region leading to bleeding and more pain. Children who experience pain during defecation will tend to keep the stool longer which causes the stool to be more bulky and harder and certainly lead to more pain. This vicious cycle will worsen the constipation.

Give correct feeding in quantity and in composition. Breast milk is the best and the most balance milk to prevent constipation. When the infants are older than 6 months, extra water, fruit juices, dietary fiber foods like fruits and vegetables should be introduce in the daily diet. Dietary fibers like carob bean gum can stimulate bacterial growth which increases volume and viscosity of the stools leading to better gut motility. Probiotic (good bacteria) is also proven to be helpful in treating and preventing constipation by improving digestion and absorption through maintaining balance and healthy gut flora.