Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus
For the health condition: Constipation (children)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, mandarins, and lemons, have a long history of use in traditional medicine for digestive health, including the relief of constipation. The traditional rationale is linked to their fiber content (mainly in the pulp and membranes) and the presence of certain organic acids which are thought to stimulate bowel movements. In various cultures, giving children citrus juice or sections of the fruit is a common home remedy for mild constipation.

However, scientific evidence specifically evaluating citrus fruits for the treatment of constipation in children is limited. Most available studies focus on overall dietary fiber intake or compare different sources of fiber, not citrus fruits in particular. Citrus fruits do provide dietary fiber, especially if consumed with the pulp, which can contribute to increased stool bulk and improved bowel regularity. Some small studies and case reports suggest that increasing fruit intake, including citrus, can be beneficial for children with mild constipation, but these are not high-quality randomized controlled trials, nor do they isolate citrus as the primary intervention.

In summary, the use of citrus for constipation in children is primarily supported by traditional use rather than robust scientific evidence. The rating reflects that while plausible mechanisms exist, and anecdotal reports are common, there is a scarcity of direct, high-quality research specifically validating citrus fruits for this indication in children.

More about Citrus
More about Constipation (children)

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alpinia galangal
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anise
anthraquinone
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apricot
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atractylone
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bael
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butternut
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cantaloupe
carrot
cascara sagrada
cascaroside
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Celosia
chamomile
Chenopodium
chicory
chirata
Chondrus
cinnamon
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citrus sinensis (proprietary)
Clostridium butyricum
coconut
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
Curcuma
currant
curry leaf
Cyclanthera pedata
Cynomorium
date
dianthrone
dioscorea
dodder
Eclipta
fennel
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
fig
Frangula
fructan
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
galactomannan
galactooligosaccharides
Galangal
Glucofrangulin
grape
green banana
guar gum
Guava
honey
hydroxyanthracene derivatives
Hydroxycellulose
Hygrophila
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Indian kinotree
Indian tinospora
indigo leaves
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
Jalap
jujube
jungli-bean
karaya gum
Kefir
lactitol
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Lactobacillus gasseri
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Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus reuteri
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ligustilides
lodhtree
long pepper
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Mugwort
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Nettle
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seaweed
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Sete sangrias
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slippery elm bark
Solanum indicum
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squawvine
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Products containing Citrus

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.