Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Polyols, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG, e.g., macrogol), are osmotically active sugar alcohols commonly used as laxatives in the management of constipation in children. The scientific evidence for the use of certain polyols—most notably PEG 3350 and PEG 4000—is robust. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that PEG is effective and generally safe for treating functional constipation in pediatric populations. PEG works by retaining water in the stool, increasing stool frequency and improving stool consistency, which facilitates easier bowel movements.

Guidelines from reputable organizations, such as the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), recommend PEG as a first-line treatment for chronic constipation in children. Other polyols, such as sorbitol and lactitol, can also have a laxative effect, but PEG is the most extensively studied and widely recommended.

It is important to note that "polyol (unspecified)" is a broad term; while PEG and some other polyols have strong evidence for efficacy, not all polyols are equally validated for this use. Nonetheless, the use of specific polyols like PEG in pediatric constipation is well supported by high-quality clinical evidence.

More about Polyol (unspecified)
More about Constipation (children)

Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)

2'-Fucosyllactose
aloe 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 Polyol (unspecified)

Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)

Products containing Polyol (unspecified)

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