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Salvatore S, Carlino M, Sestito S, Concolino D, Agosti M, Pensabene L. Nutraceuticals and Pain Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction in Infants and Children: A Narrative Review and Practical Insights. Nutrients 2024; 16:349. [PMID: 38337634 PMCID: PMC10856962 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Different nutraceuticals are often considered by parents of infants and children with abdominal pain and disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Herb extracts and natural compounds have long been used in traditional medicine, but clinical pediatric trials are very limited. This narrative review based on relevant studies identified through a search of the literature in Pubmed and Medline updated to October 2023 focused on the effect of nutraceuticals in infantile colic, functional abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents. Significant reductions in colic episodes and crying time were reported in two studies on fennel (seeds oil or tea), in three studies on different multiple herbal extracts (all including fennel), in one study on Mentha piperita, and in at least two double-blind randomized controlled studies on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (108 CFU/day for at least 21 days) in breast-fed infants. Compared to a placebo, in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome, a significant reduction in pain was reported in two studies supplementing peppermint oil capsules or psyllium fibers, and in one study on corn fiber cookies, partial hydrolyzed guar gum, a specific multiple herbal extract (STW-5), or vitamin D supplementation. To date, there is moderate-certainty evidence with a weak grade of recommendation on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (108 CFU/day) in reducing pain intensity in children with functional abdominal pain and for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (1-3 × 109 CFU twice daily) in reducing pain frequency and intensity in children with IBS. Further large and well-designed pediatric studies are needed to prove the efficacy and safety of different herbal extracts and prolonged use of studied products in infants and children with pain disorders of the gut-brain interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Salvatore
- Pediatric Department, Hospital “F. Del Ponte”, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (S.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Mariagrazia Carlino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Simona Sestito
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Concolino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Pediatric Department, Hospital “F. Del Ponte”, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (S.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Licia Pensabene
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.); (D.C.)
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Pop D, Pop RS, Farcău D. The Use of Fibers, Herbal Medicines and Spices in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4351. [PMID: 37892426 PMCID: PMC10610290 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves multiple factors. Thus, treatment options are variable, targeting both diet and the child's and parents' behavior via pharmacological and psychological interventions or neuromodulation. Parents are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies for children with irritable bowel syndrome, especially when other treatments have been tried without relieving the child's symptoms. This paper examines current evidence for the benefits and side effects of herbal remedies and spices in pediatric patients with IBS. The benefits of peppermint oil, STW5, psyllium fiber, Curcuma, ginger, and other herbal medicines are discussed based on findings in the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pop
- Third Pediatric Discipline, Mother and Child Department, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Third Pediatric Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Samuel Pop
- Third Pediatric Discipline, Mother and Child Department, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dorin Farcău
- Third Pediatric Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Nursing Discipline, Mother and Child Department, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400089 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Chakraborty PS, Daniel R, Navarro FA. Non-pharmacologic approaches to treatment of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1118874. [PMID: 37397151 PMCID: PMC10311071 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1118874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) affect up to 25% of children in the United States. These disorders are more recently known as disorders of "brain-gut" interaction. The diagnosis is based on the ROME IV criteria, and requires the absence of an organic condition to explain the symptoms. Although these disorders are not completely understood, several factors have been involved in the pathophysiology including disordered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, allergies, anxiety/stress, gastrointestinal infection/inflammation, as well dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. The pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for FAPDs are directed to modifying these pathophysiologic mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the non-pharmacologic interventions used in the treatment of FAPDs including dietary modifications, manipulation of the gut microbiome (neutraceuticals, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and fecal microbiota transplant) and psychological interventions that addresses the "brain" component of the brain-gut axis (cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, breathing and relaxation techniques). In a survey conducted at a large academic pediatric gastroenterology center, 96% of patients with functional pain disorders reported using at least 1 complementary and alternative medicine treatment to ameliorate symptoms. The paucity of data supporting most of the therapies discussed in this review underscores the need for large randomized controlled trials to assess their efficacy and superiority compared to other treatments.
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Cordeiro Santos ML, da Silva Júnior RT, de Brito BB, França da Silva FA, Santos Marques H, Lima de Souza Gonçalves V, Costa dos Santos T, Ladeia Cirne C, Silva NOE, Oliveira MV, de Melo FF. Non-pharmacological management of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: Current evidence and future perspectives. World J Clin Pediatr 2022; 11:105-119. [PMID: 35433299 PMCID: PMC8985495 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v11.i2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are an important and prevalent cause of functional gastrointestinal disorders among children, encompassing the diagnoses of functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, and the one not previously present in Rome III, functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified. In the absence of sufficiently effective and safe pharmacological treatments for this public problem, non-pharmacological therapies emerge as a viable means of treating these patients, avoiding not only possible side effects, but also unnecessary prescription, since many of the pharmacological treatments prescribed do not have good efficacy when compared to placebo. Thus, the present study provides a review of current and relevant evidence on non-pharmacological management of FAPDs, covering the most commonly indicated treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy to meditation, acupuncture, yoga, massage, spinal manipulation, moxibustion, and physical activities. In addition, this article also analyzes the quality of publications in the area, assessing whether it is possible to state if non-pharmacological therapies are viable, safe, and sufficiently well-based for an appropriate and effective prescription of these treatments. Finally, it is possible to observe an increase not only in the number of publications on the non-pharmacological treatments for FAPDs in recent years, but also an increase in the quality of these publications. Finally, the sample selection of satisfactory age groups in these studies enables the formulation of specific guidelines for this age group, thus avoiding the need for adaptation of prescriptions initially made for adults, but for children use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luísa Cordeiro Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Breno Bittencourt de Brito
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Santos Marques
- Campus Vitória da Conquista, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45083-900, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Talita Costa dos Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Ladeia Cirne
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natália Oliveira e Silva
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Márcio Vasconcelos Oliveira
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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