Vargas-García Elisa Joan, Vargas-Salado Enrique
Departamento de Investigación, Instituto de Salud Pública del Estado de Guanajuato, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, México.
Cir Cir. 2013 May-Jun;81(3):214-20.
Constipation is one of the most frequently found gastrointestinal problems in the elderly as aging modifies their food intake, nutritional status and physical activity, which are associated factors in the development of constipation.
To compare food intake, nutritional status and physical activity between elderly subjects with or without chronic constipation.
The study included a total of 140 subjects who were divided in two groups according to the presence or absence of constipation using the Rome III criteria. Diet intake was obtained through a 3-day dietary record (2 days during the week and one on Saturday or Sunday). Height, weight, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied to all participants.
Fiber and water intake were not statistically different between both groups. Constipated participants showed significantly less variety and less inclusion of all food groups in their diets compared to their non-constipated counterparts (p < 0.02; p < 0.03). Mean nutritional status was overweight and it didn't differ from each studied group (p= 0.49). Higher levels of physical activity were found in non-constipated subjects (1664 vs 1049 MET, p= 0.004).
This study indicates that lower physical activity levels as well as an incomplete and less varied diet are associated to constipation in the elderly. Water and fibre intake do not seem to be contributing to constipation.
便秘是老年人中最常见的胃肠道问题之一，因为衰老会改变他们的食物摄入量、营养状况和身体活动，而这些都是便秘发生的相关因素。
比较有无慢性便秘的老年受试者之间的食物摄入量、营养状况和身体活动情况。
该研究共纳入140名受试者，根据罗马III标准，依据是否存在便秘将其分为两组。通过3天饮食记录（一周中的2天以及周六或周日的1天）获取饮食摄入量。测量所有参与者的身高、体重、上臂围和肱三头肌皮褶厚度，并应用国际体力活动问卷（IPAQ）。
两组之间的纤维和水摄入量无统计学差异。与无便秘的参与者相比，便秘参与者饮食中所有食物组的种类明显更少且包含量更少（p < 0.02；p < 0.03）。平均营养状况为超重，且各研究组之间无差异（p = 0.49）。无便秘的受试者身体活动水平更高（1664 vs 1049梅脱，p = 0.004）。
本研究表明，身体活动水平较低以及饮食不完整且种类较少与老年人便秘有关。水和纤维摄入量似乎与便秘无关。
