Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Comfort Following Regular Consumption of Short-chain Fructo-oligosaccharides (10-20 g Per Day) by Children Aged 6-12 Years

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy children who were willing to participate in the study during school period;
• Have regular stool frequency: less than or equal to 3 stools per day and greater than or equal to 3 stools per week during the week prior to enrollment;
• Wanting to maintain their dietary and physical activity habits during the study;
• Agree to participate and have written informed consent from their parents or legal representatives ;
• A parent or legal representative must have a smartphone compatible with the e-PRO data collection application.

Exclusion criteria

• Children who had a high fiber intake, as determined by the PNNS-GS2 score during the 7 days prior to inclusion;
• Children who regularly experience gastrointestinal symptoms or have a known ongoing or chronic gastrointestinal condition;
• Children who have any known pathologies, allergies, or food intolerances;
• Children who have received antibiotic treatment in the 2 months prior to inclusion;
• Consumption of any dietary supplement or medication that affects intestinal transit or the gastrointestinal sphere (such as fiber-based supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, osmotic laxatives, or intestinal dressings) within the two weeks prior to inclusion;
• History of gastrointestinal tract surgery (excluding appendectomy);
• Any medical or surgical history or treatment that could potentially influence the study criteria according to the investigator;
• Children been involved in another study within the last 2 months;
• Girl who have reached menarche and experience dysmenorrhea (abdominal pain and/or changes in bowel movements);
• Parents or legal guardians who are unable to understand, speak, and read French fluently, as well as those who are likely to disregard the protocol and questionnaire completion;
• Legal representative who are unable to provide informed consent due to a court decision or any other condition that may affect their judgment;
• Not affiliated to a health insurance fund through their parents or legal representative.