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How to Help Kids with Encopresis Using Prebiotics

Medically Reviewed by May Zhu, RDN | Published January 30, 2025

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Encopresis, the involuntary passing of stool in kids beyond toilet training age, is a distressing condition often linked to chronic constipation.

It can be challenging for both kids and parents, as it causes embarrassment, emotional stress, and discomfort.

While medical intervention and behavioral support are key components of treatment, dietary adjustments, specifically the use of prebiotics - can play a significant role in managing encopresis and improving gut health.

What Is Encopresis?

Encopresis often results from chronic constipation.

Over time, hard stool accumulates in the rectum, stretching it and reducing sensation. Softer stool may then leak around the blockage without the kid realizing it.

This cycle can worsen if not addressed, making early and comprehensive intervention crucial (Loening-Baucke, 2007).

How Prebiotics Can Help

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.

They play a key role in digestion, stool consistency, and overall gut health, which are crucial factors in managing encopresis.

Here’s how prebiotics can support kids with this condition:

1. Softens Stool

Prebiotics like inulin and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) draw water into the colon, softening stool and making it easier to pass.

This reduces the discomfort and fear of painful bowel movements, which are common reasons kids avoid using the toilet (Roberfroid et al., 2010).

By easing stool passage, prebiotics can help break the cycle of constipation that contributes to encopresis.

2. Supporting Regular Bowel Movements

Regular bowel movements are essential to prevent stool buildup in the rectum. Prebiotics stimulate gut motility by feeding beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

These SCFAs help stimulate the intestinal muscles, encouraging the natural movement of stool through the digestive tract (Bindels et al., 2015).

3. Restoring Gut Microbial Balance

Chronic constipation can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduced diversity of beneficial ones.

Prebiotics nourish Bifidobacterium andLactobacillus strains, which help restore microbial balance and improve overall gut health (Slavin, 2013).

A healthy microbiome is crucial for effective digestion and reducing constipation.

Incorporating Prebiotics Into Your Kid’s Diet

  1. Natural Food Sources:Prebiotic-rich foods like bananas, carrots, and kiwis can be incorporated into meals and snacks.

  2. Prebiotic Supplements: If dietary sources are insufficient, prebiotic powders designed for kids, such as those containing inulin like those found in Growing Up Prebiotics can be mixed into water, smoothies, or yogurt for easy consumption.

  3. Combination Products: Look for supplements that combine prebiotics and probiotics for a synergistic effect on gut health.

Other Supportive Strategies

While prebiotics are highly effective, they work best alongside other supportive measures, including:

  • Hydration: Encourage your toddler and kids to drink plenty of water to complement the stool-softening effects of prebiotics.

  • Fiber Intake:Combine prebiotics with other fiber-rich foods for maximum digestive support.

  • Behavioral Interventions:Establish regular bathroom routines and provide positive reinforcement to reduce anxiety around bowel movements.

Summary

Prebiotics help kids with encopresis by softening stool, encouraging regular bowel movements, and restoring gut microbial balance.

Combining prebiotics with hydration, fiber, and behavioral support can significantly improve symptoms and promote gut health.

View Citation

  • Loening-Baucke, V. (2007). Encopresis and chronic constipation. Pediatrics in Review, 28(8), 283–291. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.28-8-283
  • Roberfroid, M., Gibson, G. R., & Hoyles, L. (2010). Prebiotic effects: Metabolic and health benefits. British Journal of Nutrition, 104(2), S1–S63. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510003363
  • Bindels, L. B., Delzenne, N. M., Cani, P. D., & Walter, J. (2015). Towards a more comprehensive concept for prebiotics. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 12(5), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2015.47
  • Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417–1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417