Exploring the connection between caffeine intake and constipation: a cross-sectional study using national health and nutrition examination survey data

Caffeine has been reported to increase gastrointestinal motility and change intestinal microbiota. Constipation may be caused by colonic motor dysfunction and colonic microbiomeis disturbances. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between caffeine intake and constipation.

This was a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Caffeine intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall method, and constipation was defined based on stool consistency or stool frequency. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between caffeine intake and constipation, and results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Subgroup analysis was performed based on age.

A total of 13,816 participants were finally included for analysis. After adjusting potential confounders, high intake of caffeine was found to be associated with the low odds of constipation (Q3: OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.49–0.74; Q4: OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.59–0.99; Q5: OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.56–0.92). The similar association was found in young people and middle-age people (P < 0.05).

High caffeine intake was associated with the low odds of constipation. Our finding indicated that individuals should develop consciousness and habit of consuming caffeinated foods and drinks to prevent and relief the constipation.