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

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.

Factors Associated with Functional Constipation among Students of a Chinese University: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Numerous epidemiological investigations have shown an association between diet and constipation, focusing mainly on the effects of individual nutrients or foods and food groups [ 28 , 29 ]. According to our survey, 98% of university students accounted for high DDS, indicating that the majority of university students consumed a wide variety of foods and had a diverse diet.…”

“…Several studies have shown that individuals who prefer high-fat foods, junk snacks, fried foods, or coffee, alcohol, and spices had a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms [ 33 , 34 ]. Rollet et al showed a positive correlation between the occurrence of constipation and sugary products and higher energy intake [ 29 ]. When high-fat, high-energy foods, as well as sugary foods and alcohol, are consumed at high levels, a high prevalence of FC is more likely to occur, which is in line with our study results.…”

“…Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that increasing dietary fiber intake can significantly increase the frequency of stools and relieve constipation in patients with constipation, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal health [ 29 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Other observational studies have also reported that dairy products such as cheese and milk, as well as foods such as meat and eggs, had beneficial effects on constipation [ 39 , 40 ].…”

“…Other observational studies have also reported that dairy products such as cheese and milk, as well as foods such as meat and eggs, had beneficial effects on constipation [ 39 , 40 ]. Rollet et al also found that the occurrence of constipation was inversely associated with lipid and total fat intake [ 29 ]. Similar results were found in our study among university students, namely, that university students with the “vegetable, fruit, egg and milk-based” dietary pattern of high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits, and quality protein foods such as eggs and milk, and the “livestock and aquatic product-based” dietary pattern based on fish and meat rich in unsaturated fatty acids had a lower prevalence of FC.…”

Galactooligosaccharides ameliorate dietary advanced glycation end product-induced intestinal barrier damage in C57BL/6 mice by modulation of the intestinal microbiome

“…21 Notably, processed foods (rich in AGEs) are associated with constipation. 22 Consistently, children with autism spectrum disorder who consumed ultra-processed foods showed symptoms of constipation. 23 Thus, dietary AGEs lead to increased colonic length, which may be involved in the pathology of colonic volvulus.…”