Association Between Caffeine Intake and Stool Frequency- or Consistency-Defined Constipation: Data From the National...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutrition Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between caffeine consumption and constipation is not well-established.
• Previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding this association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between caffeine intake and constipation in a large adult population.
• To identify potential modifying factors influencing this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from 13,941 adults (2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).
• Weighted logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association.
• Stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to explore modifying factors, specifically cholesterol intake.

Main Results:

• Increased caffeine intake (100 mg) was not significantly associated with constipation, whether defined by stool frequency or consistency.
• Cholesterol intake was found to modify the association between caffeine and constipation defined by stool frequency (P=0.037).
• A 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was linked to a 20% reduced risk of constipation (stool frequency) in high-cholesterol consumers, but not in other groups. No association was observed for stool consistency.

Conclusions:

• Caffeine consumption is not generally associated with constipation based on stool frequency or consistency.
• Higher caffeine intake may offer a protective effect against constipation, specifically for stool frequency, in individuals with high cholesterol consumption.