Evaluation of the nutritional status of adult individuals with diagnosed functional constipation

This study was performed to evaluate the nutritional status of adult individuals with diagnosed functional constipation. The study was conducted on 59 females, 26 males, total 85 constipation patients aged 19-64 years old presenting to Gastroenterology Polyclinic of Bayındır Hospital in the three months period, following the decision of the Ethical committee of Başkent University Medical and Health Sciences Research Council. Personal characteristics, nutritional habits, physical activity habits, defecation habits and knowledge of fiber of the patients were collected with an inquiry form. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were recorded in the inquiry form. Nutritional status of the individuals were determined by food frequency questionnaire and a three day 24-hour food intake record. Physical activity levels of patients were determined by physical activity forms. The mean age of the individuals participating in the study was found to be 41.6±12.6 years old and mean BMI to be 25.5±4.42 kg/m2. The prevelance of having a BMI value, that is greater than 25 kg/m2, is found to be 44.1% for women and 50.0% for men. The mean waist circumference of participants is found to be 85.7±13.73 cm. When the obesity rate based on waist circumference is evaluated, 10.2% of women and 16.7% of men are found to have increased risk of obesity. Moreover, 39% of women and 12.5% of men are classified to be in the high risk of obesity group. The avarage daily dietary energy consumption of patients was found to be 1519.2±443.88 kcal, which consists of 45.5±7.12% carbonhydrate, 15.5±3.16 % proteins and 38.7±7.26 % fats. The mean daily fiber consumption of the patients was 17.9±8.91 g. When the fiber consumption adequacy of the patients was evaluated, 71.8% of the patients' fiber consumption was found inadequate, 24.7% of patients consumed enough fiber. The mean daily water consumption of the patients was 1312.9±791.74 mL. When the fiber knowledge of the patients was evaluated, 65% of the patients specified that fiber is necessary for promoting health and to be protected from diseases, 50% of the patients expressed that fiber effects stool consistency and frequency of defecation. When the fruit consumption of the patients was evaluated, 69.4% of patients specified vegetables and fruits as the food which include the most fiber, 15.3% of the patients specified legumes as the food which include the most fiber, 17.6% of the patients stated that they did not know which food has the greatest fiber content. When the participants' daily dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals are evaluated, especially folic acid, thiamine, niacin, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium were found to be lower than the DRI recommendations. When the consumptions of fruits and vegetables are evaluated, it is found that patients consumed cooked vegetables usually tree to four times a week, they consumed raw vegetables once or twice a week (p<0.001) and they consumed fruits everyday (p: 0.002). The mean daily consumption of cooked vegetables among the patients was 80.7±50.31 g (p>0,05), the avarage daily raw vegetables consumption of patients was 62.0±37.78 g (p<0.001), and the avarage daily fruits consumption of patients was 128.31±92.69 g (p:0.001). 88.5% of patients specified consuming white bread, 30.8% of patients specified consuming wholemeal bread, rye bread, oat bread, whole grain bread ext., 7.7% of patients specified consuming whole wheat pasta. There was only one patient who consumed paddy rice (%1.7). There is a significant positive correlation between patients' dietary fiber intake and water consumption (r: 0.278, p: 0.010), the energy gained from the foods (r: 0.580, p<0.001), vitamins E, C and B6, thiamine, riboflavine, niacin, folic acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper. In conclusion; energy, fiber, water, vitamins and minerals consumptions of patients who suffered from constipation were found inadequate. Moreover, physical activity levels of these patients are also found to be low. In order to prevent constipation, changing lifestyle in addition to an adequate and balanced nutrition is necessary.