Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Characterizing Normal Bowel Frequency and Consistency in a Representative Sample of Adults in the United States
Shuji Mitsuhashi1, Sarah Ballou1, Zhenghui G Jiang1
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Objectives:
Our current understanding of normal bowel patterns in the United States (US) is limited. Available studies have included individuals with both normal and abnormal bowel patterns, making it difficult to characterize normal bowel patterns in the US. The current study aims to (1) examine frequency and consistency in individuals with self-reported normal bowel habits and (2) determine demographic factors associated with self-reported normalcy.
Methods:
This study used data from adult participants who completed bowel health questions as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2009-2010 and who reported normal bowel patterns (N=4,775). Data regarding self-perceived bowel health; stool frequency; stool consistency (using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS)); and demographic factors were analyzed.
Results:
95.9% of the sample reported between 3 and 21 BMs per week. Among men, 90% reported a BSFS between 3 and 5, while for women it was 2-6. After controlling for age, the following demographic variables were associated with normalcy: male sex, higher education, higher income, <2 daily medications, and high daily fiber intake. Hispanic ethnicity was significantly associated with abnormal self-reported bowel habits.
Conclusions:
This is the first study to evaluate normal bowel frequency and consistency in a representative sample of adults in the US. The current findings bolster the common "3 and 3" metric of normal frequency (3 BMs/day to 3 BMs/week) while also suggesting different criteria for normal consistency for men and women. Finally, this study provides novel information about demographic factors associated with normal frequency and consistency.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
00:51What is a Frequency Distribution
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...