AUTHOR=Cai Junfeng , Li Danqing , Xie Ruijun , Yu Xiaoling , Wu Yuning , Sun Feng , Zhang Chenxiong TITLE=Association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation: NHANES 2005–2010 JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition VOLUME=11 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1426280 DOI=10.3389/fnut.2024.1426280 ISSN=2296-861X ABSTRACT=Background

This investigation aimed to analyze the association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence among United States adults.

Methods

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this cross-sectional study assessed vitamin E intake through 24-h dietary recall and defined constipation based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified analyses were conducted based on covariates such as age, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were generated to explore the potential linear or non-linear association.

Results

Individuals experiencing constipation exhibited lower vitamin E intake compared to those without constipation. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a negative correlation between vitamin E intake and constipation risk, even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Further RCS analysis revealed a statistically significant non-linear inverse relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation risk (p-value for non-linearity = 0.0473).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an independent inverse association between vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence in United States adults. Prospective research is needed to validate these observations.