P44 Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Snacks Fortified with Fiber in Children with Low Fiber Intake

Fiber intakes of most US children are inadequate, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal problems, obesity, and diet-related chronic diseases. Commonly consumed foods with added fiber may be help to achieve recommended intakes in children; however, research is needed to determine if added fiber contributes to gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.The aim was to assess the effects of fiber-fortified snacks on GI function and appetite in children.Children (8-15 y) were recruited for an eight-week randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study. Following a two-week baseline, participants consumed two snacks/day fortified with or without 10g of ground pea hulls (8.5g dietary fiber) each for two-week periods separated by a two-week washout period.Participants completed an appetite questionnaire twice per week, the GI Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) by interview bi-weekly, and the Bristol Stool Form chart daily. ASA-24 was used to assess dietary intake. Linear mixed models were used for data analyses.Of 16 recruited, 15 participants (5 Male, 10 Female; 9.5 ± 1.2 y) completed the study. Fiber intake at baseline was 10.4 ± 4.9 g/day with no change in background fiber with interventions (12.9 ± 5.4 g/day; 11.1 ± 3.1 g/day; NS). Snacks with added fiber significantly increased fiber intake (P < .01). No differences were found for GSRS or appetite with snack interventions. Reported stool frequency of 1.1 ± 0.6 stools/day at baseline and did not differ with interventions (1.2 ± 0.8 stools/day; 1.1 ± 0.8 stools/day; NS), nor did percent reporting of slow, normal or fast stool form. However, participants reported a high percentage of low transit stools (> 60%) in all study periods, suggestive of constipation.In children with low fiber intakes, consuming snacks with added fiber may help to increase dietary fiber intakes without significant GI side effects.Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.