All blocked up

There's no hard evidence that dairy products may cause constipation but there could be a link for certain children suffering from the condition.

- Jennifer Bowden

Question: Is it true that milk and cheese can constipate some people - or is this just a fallacy?

Answer: Constipation is an uncomfortable but relatively common condition for both adults and children. While dietary factors, such as low fibre intake, have been implicated in causing bowel movement problems, only recently have clinical trials pointed to a possible role of dairy products.

Constipation tends to affect more women than men; it is also more common among older adults and those who are immobile. However, it does not discriminate by age, as it is also widespread among children; it is estimated up to 30% of young people may experience it at some stage.

Constipation can have many causes, including certain medications and supplements, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, other health conditions, diet, and lifestyle habits such as lack of physical activity.

While the role of dietary fibre in its prevention is pretty much ironclad from a research perspective, the evidence linking dairy-product intake to constipation is less so. For instance, a recent observational study suggested moderate dairy intake is associated with a reduced risk in women. In contrast, a clinical trial found that removing dairy from the diet resolved constipation among a group of children diagnosed with the chronic form of the condition. So, which is it?