[Fiber and nutrients intake in children with chronic constipation].

Objectives: The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the intake of fiber alimentary and macronutrients in constipated children.

Methods: Fifty-four children (aged 2-12 yr) with diagnosis of chronic functional constipation were investigated at the Pediatric Hospital, "Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte", Natal, RN, Brazil. They were age and sex matched with 50 patients without constipation. A standard questionnaire was applied to both groups and a 3 day dietary record was analyzed by computer software.

Results: The mean age at onset of symptoms was 29,0 +/- 26,1 months. There was not sex predominance and no difference about nutritional condition between the groups. Constipated children ate less fiber, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and less caloric and protein adequated percentuals. The proportion of children who ate less dietary fiber than recommended (age + 5 g /day) was greater in the constipated group (83,3%) than in controls (66,6%); odds ratio 2,6.

Conclusion: Constipated children ate less fiber and macronutrients than children without constipation. Intake of dietary fiber below the minimum recommendation is a risk factor for chronic functional constipation in children.