Stool pattern changes in toddlers consuming a follow-on formula supplemented with polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012 Feb;54(2):288-90. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31823a8a4c.

Abstract

Healthy 9- to 48-month-old children (n = 133) were randomized to receive a cow's-milk-based follow-on formula (control) or the same formula with polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides (PDX/GOS) for 108 days. Pediatricians assessed diarrheal disease, stool pattern, acute respiratory infection, systemic antibiotic use, and growth. The 2 groups had similar weight-for-length/height z score and similar odds of having diarrheal disease, acute respiratory infection, and systemic antibiotic use; however, PDX/GOS had greater odds of increased defecation than control (P ≤ 0.01). Addition of PDX and GOS to a follow-on formula was well tolerated and induced a pattern of more frequent and softer stools in toddlers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Child, Preschool
  • Constipation / prevention & control
  • Defecation / drug effects*
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Glucans / administration & dosage
  • Glucans / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Formula / chemistry
  • Infant Formula / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Milk
  • Oligosaccharides / administration & dosage
  • Oligosaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Prebiotics*
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Glucans
  • Oligosaccharides
  • Prebiotics
  • polydextrose