1.
Correction of data errors and reanalysis of "The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials".
Zalewski, BM, Chmielewska, A, Szajewska, H, Keithley, JK, Li, P, Goldsby, TU, Allison, DB
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2015;(7-8):1056-7
2.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary fiber in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Horvath, A, Szajewska, H
World review of nutrition and dietetics. 2013;:40-8
Abstract
At best, currently available therapies provide symptomatic relief from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD). No existing therapy, however, can influence the natural course of any of these disorders, prompting interest in new and safe treatment options. This paper summarizes the clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and their meta-analyses of the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary fiber in the treatment of FGD in the pediatric population. While it is too soon to recommend the routine use of any probiotics for treating FGD, some of these therapeutic options can provide a health benefit to patients, and therefore can be discussed with patients and/or caregivers. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has consistently improved symptoms of infantile colic. The use of Lactobacillus GG moderately increased treatment success in children with abdominal pain-related FGD, particularly among children with irritable bowel syndrome. Also, data from one trial suggest that VSL#3 seems to be effective in ameliorating symptoms and improving the quality of life of children affected by irritable bowel syndrome. L. reuteri DSM 17938 may help infants with constipation. Limited evidence suggests that administration of a fiber supplement is more effective than placebo for the treatment of childhood constipation.
3.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials: fiber supplements for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in childhood.
Horvath, A, Dziechciarz, P, Szajewska, H
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2012;(2):95-101
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lack of safe and reliable treatments for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has prompted interest in new therapies. AIM: To systematically evaluate the effect of dietary fibers for treating abdominal pain-related FGIDs in children. METHODS In December 2011, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating fiber supplementation in children with FGIDs. RESULTS Only 3 RCTs were identified, which enrolled a total of 167 children and adolescents (5–17 years old) with recurrent abdominal pain. Only 1 study used the Rome III criteria. Patients were supplemented with different dietary fiber types for 4–6 weeks. The use of dietary fibers did not influence the proportion of responders to treatment, and improvement did not occur in reported clinically relevant outcomes such as no pain or a significant decrease in pain intensity (risk ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.75–1.81). CONCLUSION There is no evidence that supplementation with fiber as a dietary manipulation may be useful for treating children with FGIDs. However, one should not overlook the fact that the main limitation for recommendation of the routine fiber use in clinical practice derives from the weak quality and paucity of available studies.