Update on Dietary Management of Childhood Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;47(4):715-726. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2018.07.001. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Abstract

Diet plays a significant role for children with functional abdominal pain disorders. A large majority of these children identify at least 1 food that exacerbates their symptoms. Malabsorbed carbohydrates may have both direct and microbiome-mediated physiologic effects. There are several factors associated with carbohydrate symptom generation, including (1) the amount ingested, (2) ingestion with a meal, (3) small intestinal enzymatic activity, (4) consuming the carbohydrate with microorganisms capable of breaking down the carbohydrate, (5) the gut microbiome, and (6) host factors. Therapies include carbohydrate (single and/or comprehensive) restriction, selective prebiotic and/or enzyme supplementation. Fiber supplementation may also be beneficial.

Keywords: Diet; Dyspepsia; FODMAP; Fiber; Irritable bowel syndrome; Microbiome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / etiology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / therapy*
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / therapy*
  • Prebiotics

Substances

  • Prebiotics