Objectives The objective of this review is to identify and present the best available evidence on dietetic treatment and management of constipation in children and adults. This will be achieved by reviewing the literature relevant to the management of constipation. Question To investigate effectiveness of dietary interventions in chronic constipation in achieving laxation. Criteria for Inclusion Types of Participants Participants will include children or adults, who are defined as constipated by the following definition: Having at least one of :- • < 3 bowel movements each week • hard or lumpy stools • anal blockage Patients with a constipation for a minimum of two weeks, whose constipation is treated for a minimum of one week. Patients from special populations, such as peripartum and tube-fed patients, will be excluded. Types of Interventions Interventions of interest will be those used for the purpose of treatment of constipation. Examples of specific interventions to be included in the review, but not be limited to, include: bulk, stimulant, osmotic and softening (surfactant) laxatives. Specific treatments previously identified include: psyllium, ispaghula, bran, prucara, lactulose, lactitol, propylethylene glycol, docusate sodium, docusate calcium, cisapride, senna, agiolax, lunelax, calcium polycarbophil, methylcellulose, magnesium hydroxide, laxamucil, sorbitol, dorbanex and sodium picosulphate. Results will be reported under the categories of: 1. Interventions provided by a dietary strategy solely. 2. Interventions provided by a dietary and laxative medication strategy. Types of Outcome measures Measures of outcome will include but not be limited to: • Frequency and/or consistency of bowel actions per week • Symptom improvement (including anal blockage). • Reduction in abdominal pain • Need for breakthrough laxatives • Cost.