New research indicates that Sunfiber helps to relieve the symptoms of chronic abdominal pain (CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children. This is great news, especially since there is no prescription drug available to treat children for CAP. Parents will also appreciate that Sunfiber is child-friendly: Unlike some remedies that need to be disguised, Sunfiber is tasteless and odorless. It dissolves rapidly and is crystal clear in beverages. It can also be used in cooking and baking without altering the taste or texture of foods.
CAP and IBS are two of the most common causes for frequent stomach aches in children. CAP is defined as abdominal pain or discomfort that occurs over weeks or months. IBS symptoms may also include abdominal pain, as well as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Always consult a pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis.
Study findings
In this randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind clinical trial, university researchers in Italy assessed the effectiveness of Sunfiber partially hydrolyzed guar gum on 60 children ages 8-16 who were diagnosed with IBS or CAP.
The children received either 5 grams/day of Sunfiber or a placebo for four weeks. Their symptoms were scored after weeks two and four, and again at week eight. Researchers also monitored the children’s compliance with taking Sunfiber supplements.
The researchers concluded that Sunfiber was safe and effective at reducing the clinical symptoms of IBS, reduced the intensity of abdominal pain, and helped to normalize bowel habits by reducing instances of constipation and diarrhea. They also confirmed optimal compliance among the children. “The efficacy of this approach has proven how dietary management is more effective than pharmacological therapy in children with CAP and IBS,” said the researchers.
“This is the first study in a pediatric population that showed a clinically significant improvement of the symptoms in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disease with dietary manipulation … Fiber supplementation can be considered an important option in pediatric CAP and IBS. Water-soluble fiber, such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum, is preferable to insoluble fiber. Moreover, initial studies have shown that fiber may act as a prebiotic, thus increasing the therapeutic benefits.”
This research was published in the January 14, 2013 issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology.
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