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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are Highly Prevalent in Mexican School‐age Children
Author(s) -
CarrilloVega Maria Fernanda,
DuranArenas Juan Juis Gerardo,
TiradoGomez Laura Leticia,
HervertHernandez Deisy
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.736.23
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , underweight , constipation , bloating , functional constipation , flatulence , anthropometry , abdominal pain , body mass index , pediatrics , environmental health
Fiber intake in Mexican children remains below recommended levels, with a median intake of 14 g/day in children aged 5‐11 y (National Survey on Health and Nutrition 2006). Fiber inadequacy is concerning as it is a leading risk factor for constipation. Additionally data on gastrointestinal disorders in Mexican children are unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Mexican children aged 8‐11 y and fiber intake. Convenience sampling was used to obtain data from public school children (n=799) in Mexico City. Information on digestive health, anthropometry, physical activity and frequency of food consumption was collected through validated questionnaires. Subjects' characteristics were: 48% female, age 9.4±0.9 y, BMI 19.1±3.7 kg/m 2 , 30% underweight, 29% normal weight, 24% overweight and 18% obese. Children reported suffering abdominal pain (35%), tenesmus (34%), bloating (43%), straining (33%), flatulence (45%) and stool frequency 蠄3 times/wk (23%). The prevalence of functional constipation was 26%. Of note, 86% of the children did not meet the adequate intake for fiber (mean intake: 11.0±4.7 g). Main food sources of fiber (% of total) were: fruits (29.1%), vegetables (26.4%), legumes (19.1%) and cereals (16.4%). Children reported a physical activity of 281.4±154.3 min/wk. Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in school‐age children, primarily those associated with functional constipation. This condition could potentially be associated with low fiber intake and physical inactivity. Research supported by Kellogg Company Mexico