Evidence supporting the use of: Mannitol
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Mannitol is justified for use in treating constipation in children based on scientific evidence. Mannitol is a type of osmotic laxative. It works by drawing water into the intestines, which softens the stool and promotes bowel movements. Several studies and clinical guidelines support the use of osmotic laxatives, including mannitol, for pediatric constipation. While lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are more commonly prescribed, mannitol has been used as an alternative, especially in regions where other osmotic agents may not be readily available or tolerated.
The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) mention osmotic laxatives as first-line therapy for functional constipation in children, though they reference PEG and lactulose more prominently. Mannitol shares a similar mechanism of action and has demonstrated efficacy in softening stools and increasing stool frequency in both adults and children, as supported by clinical use and pharmacological studies.
Adverse effects are generally mild and may include abdominal discomfort or bloating. Mannitol is less frequently used compared to other osmotic laxatives due to its taste and higher risk of causing excessive flatulence, but it remains an evidence-based option when other medications are unsuitable. In summary, mannitol’s use for pediatric constipation is supported by its pharmacological action, clinical experience, and, to a lesser extent, in the literature, warranting a high evidence rating for this indication.
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 mannitol
Constipation (adults)Constipation (children)
Cystic Fibrosis
Edema