Evidence supporting the use of: Kefir
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Kefir for Constipation in Children: Scientific Evidence
Kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics, has been studied for its potential benefits in gastrointestinal health, including constipation. The use of kefir in treating constipation is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than just tradition.
Several small clinical trials and observational studies suggest that kefir may improve bowel function in both adults and children. A notable study published in Pediatric Research (2013) investigated the effects of kefir supplementation on children with functional constipation. The study found that children who consumed kefir daily showed significant improvements in stool frequency and consistency compared to controls. The proposed mechanism is related to the probiotics in kefir (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species), which may modulate gut microbiota, enhance intestinal motility, and improve overall digestive health.
However, while these results are promising, the number of high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials is limited. Most available studies have small sample sizes and short durations. Therefore, while scientific evidence exists and is growing, it is not yet robust enough for unequivocal clinical recommendations. The evidence rating of 3 reflects moderate support, with a need for further research to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing and safety in children.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Kefir
Acid IndigestionAllergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Crohn's Disease
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Eczema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation