The association between dietary vitamin B1 intake and constipation: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Dietary micronutrients are linked to constipation, but vitamin B1's role is unexplored.
• Investigating the association between dietary vitamin B1 and chronic constipation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between dietary vitamin B1 intake and chronic constipation in adults.
• To analyze NHANES data for correlations between thiamine consumption and constipation prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010.
• Employed 24-hour dietary recalls for dietary intake assessment.
• Performed multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and curve-fitting analysis.

Main Results:

• A total of 10,371 participants were analyzed; 10.8% had chronic constipation.
• Increased dietary vitamin B1 intake showed a significant inverse association with constipation risk (OR=0.87).
• The association was particularly significant in men, non-hypertensive, and non-diabetic individuals.

Conclusions:

• Dietary vitamin B1 intake is inversely correlated with the occurrence of chronic constipation.
• Vitamin B1 may promote stool softening and enhance colonic peristalsis.
• Further prospective research is needed to confirm thiamine's role in managing constipation.