Abstract
It is unknown whether children with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders identify
specific foods that exacerbate their GI symptoms. The objectives of this study were
to determine the perceived role of food on GI symptoms and to determine the impact
of food-induced symptoms on quality of life (QOL) in children with functional GI disorders.
Between August and November 2010, 25 children ages 11 to 17 years old with functional
GI disorders and a parent completed a food symptom association questionnaire and validated
questionnaires assessing FGID symptoms and QOL. In addition, children completed a
24-hour food recall, participated in focus groups to identify problematic foods and
any coping strategies, and discussed how their QOL was affected. Statistical analyses
were conducted using χ2, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Spearman's ρ. Children identified a median of 11
(range=2 to 25) foods as exacerbating a GI symptom, with the most commonly identified
foods being spicy foods, cow's milk, and pizza. Several coping strategies were identified,
including consuming smaller portions, modifying foods, and avoiding a median of 8
(range=1 to 20) foods. Children reported that food-induced symptoms interfered with
school performance, sports, and social activities. Although the parent's assessment
of their child's QOL negatively correlated with the number of perceived symptom-inducing
foods in their child, this relationship was not found in the children. Findings suggest
that specific foods are perceived to exacerbate GI symptoms in children with functional
GI disorders. In addition, despite use of several coping strategies, food-induced
symptoms can adversely impact children's QOL in several important areas.
Keywords
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Biography
M. J. Carlson is a pediatric clinical dietitian, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston; at the time of the study, she was a graduate student at Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX.
Biography
C. E. Moore is an associate professor of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX.
Biography
C. M. Tsai is a research coordinator, Baylor College of Medicine, and research coordinator, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
Biography
R. J. Shulman is professor of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital; professor, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; and professor, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, TX.
Biography
B. P. Chumpitazi is director, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program, Texas Children's Hospital, and assistant professor, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 19, 2013
Accepted:
October 2,
2013
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This research was supported by grant number R01 NR05337 to R. J. Shulman from the National Institutes of Health; the Daffy's Foundation; the US Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service under Cooperative Agreement no. 6250-51000-043; Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University; the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Foundation/Nestle Nutrition Young Investigator Development Award to B. P. Chumpitazi; and P30-DK56338, which funds the Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center. This work is in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the US Department of Agriculture; nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government.
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© 2014 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
