The Relationship between Dietary Intake of Magnesium, Fiber, and Fluid Intake and Constipation Using NHANES Data

• Main Author: Gonzalez, Candace M.
• Language: EN
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2018
• Subjects: Nutrition
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10839229

<p> Chronic constipation is a common condition that is characterized by infrequent stools, sensation of incomplete defecation, and straining to have a bowel movement. There are no clear guidelines used across healthcare disciplines to diagnose constipation. The Adequate Intake (AI) for total fiber is based on observed median fiber intake level to achieve the lowest level of observed risk of coronary heart disease; while this level may help ameliorate constipation, this outcome was not used as the basis for the AI recommendation. Constipation was defined as &lt; 3 bowel movements per week. There was a statistically significant difference in fiber intake (<i>p</i> &lt; .001), magnesium intake (<i>p</i> = .004), and fluid intake (<i>p</i> = .015) among individuals with irregular bowel movements &lt; 3 per week compared to individuals who had ? 3 bowel movements per week. No association was observed between constipation and regarding physical activity outside of work, both moderate and vigorous. Additional research is needed to address the potential of different types of fiber (soluble vs. insoluble), different fluid intakes (milk, sugar sweetened beverages, coffee, etc.), and how these factors collectively relate to constipation.</p><p>