Do Yogurt and Kefir Work for Constipation?

Yogurt and kefir are fermented dairy products that are often recommended for digestive health because they can be good sources of probiotics. While they can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet, their effectiveness for treating constipation in children depends on several factors.

Probiotic Content

The main reason yogurt and kefir are thought to help with constipation is their probiotic content. However, not all yogurts and kefirs are created equal. For these products to have a potential therapeutic effect, they must contain live and active cultures, and specifically, strains that have been shown to have a benefit for constipation. Many commercial yogurts, especially those that are heat-treated after fermentation, do not contain a significant number of live bacteria.

Look for products that are labeled with "live and active cultures" and, if possible, that specify the probiotic strains they contain, such as Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus casei, which have been studied for their effects on constipation [1].

The Dairy Factor

It is also important to remember that for some children, dairy products can contribute to constipation, either due to cow's milk protein intolerance or because excessive dairy intake can displace fiber-rich foods in the diet. If a child is sensitive to dairy, consuming more yogurt or kefir could potentially make their constipation worse.

The Verdict

A study on the use of a Bifidobacterium containing yogurt for childhood constipation found that it was more effective than a placebo in increasing stool frequency [2]. However, the overall evidence is not strong enough to recommend yogurt or kefir as a standalone treatment for constipation.

In conclusion, yogurt and kefir can be a healthy addition to a child's diet and may offer some benefit for constipation if they contain the right probiotic strains and the child is not sensitive to dairy. However, they should not be relied upon as the primary treatment. The cornerstones of constipation management remain adequate fiber and fluid intake, regular toileting habits, and, when necessary, the use of laxatives as recommended by a healthcare provider.