The relationship between food components and constipation: a cross-sectional study

Background: The worldwide incidence of constipation is exhibiting an increasing trend. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary components and the occurrence of constipation.

Methods: Sociodemographic characteristics data of participants experiencing constipation and those without were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2000-2010; n = 1903; ≥20 years). Sociodemographic characteristics of participants experiencing constipation and those without were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data from two 24-hour dietary recalls (n = 1696; participants aged 20 years and older) were utilized to compare the dietary intake of various food components between constipated and non-constipated individuals, as well as to investigate the relationship between food component consumption and constipation. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using an adjusted model. The distribution of the data was illustrated through a histogram. Based on this distribution, vegetable intake was categorized into five groups (0-0.733, 0.733-1.47, 1.47-2.2, 2.2-2.93, 2.93-8) for the purpose of subgroup analysis.

Results: The median age of individuals experiencing constipation is 41.5 years, with women accounting for 65.3% and men accounting for 34.7%. The consumption of fruits (constipated people = 0.79 cups/d; non-constipated people = 0.93 cups/d), vegetables (1.21 cups/d; 1.59 cups/d), dairy (1.68 cups/d; 1.55 cups/d), and oils (15.31 g/d; 19.61 g/d) is below the recommended dietary intake for both groups. After multivariable adjustment, vegetable consumption (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59-0.92, p = 0.008) and female (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.38-3.24, p < 0.001) were identified as significant predictors of constipation. The subgroup analysis concerning vegetable consumption indicated a statistically significant result within Group (2.93,8 ] [OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.069-0.57].

Conclusions: The findings of the research suggest that it is advisable for individuals to consume a minimum of 2.93 cups of vegetables daily. Furthermore, females exhibit a significantly elevated risk of experiencing constipation. However, no association has been identified between constipation and either age or educational level.