Association between Dietary Factors and Constipation in Adults Living in Luxembourg and Taking Part in the ORISCAV-LUX 2 Survey.

Maurane Rollet,Farhad Vahid,Torsten Bohn

doi:10.3390/nu14010122

Abstract

Constipation, a disorder of bowel movements, is among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in Western countries. Dietary constituents such as inadequate fiber intake have been related to constipation, but discrepancies exist in the findings regarding dietary factors. This study investigated the association between dietary patterns and bowel movements in adults living in Luxembourg. Data from 1431 participants from ORISCAV-LUX 2 (a cross-sectional survey) who completed a 174-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were analyzed. A questionnaire-based constipation score was assessed by a validated scoring system. Confounders such as physical activity and serum/urine indicators were assessed. Women had higher constipation scores than men (p < 0.001). In food group-based regression models, a negative association was found between higher constipation score and intake of grains (Beta = −0.62, 95%CI: −1.18, −0.05) and lipid-rich foods (Beta = −0.84, 95%CI: −1.55, −0.13), while a positive association was found for sugary products (Beta = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.97) (p < 0.05). In a nutrient-based regression model, a positive association was found between constipation score and total energy (Beta = 5.24, 95%CI: 0.37, 10.11) as well as sodium intake (Beta = 2.04, 95%CI: 0.21, 3.87), and a negative one was found for total fats (Beta = −4.17, 95%CI: −7.46, −0.89) and starch (Beta = −2.91, 95%CI: −4.47, −1.36) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, neither fruits and vegetables or dietary fiber were significantly associated with constipation. Thus, grains, lipid-rich foods, total fats and starch were associated with a lower constipation score, while sugary products, sodium, and higher energy intake were correlated with higher constipation.

Highlights

Bowel movements describe the frequency and comfort of stool production, i.e., the fecal discharge
Grains, lipid-rich foods, total fats and starch were associated with a lower constipation score, while sugary products, sodium, and higher energy intake were correlated with higher constipation
We aimed to study food groups, macro- and micronutrients, and non-nutrients and their relation to bowel movements in adults residing in Luxembourg and attending the ORISCAV-LUX 2 survey, as a first step toward estimating the relationship between these factors and gut health

Summary

Introduction

Bowel movements describe the frequency and comfort of stool production, i.e., the fecal discharge. They are an essential process by which the body eliminates undigested and unabsorbed food constituents along with cells and microflora [1]. A frequency of bowel movements between three per week and three per day is typically defined as “normal” defecation [3]. Of people worldwide suffer from gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a prevalence of 4.7%, 11.7%, and 4.1%, respectively [4]. Extreme bowel movements (constipation or high frequency) could be early signs of gastrointestinal disorders or other diseases [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion