Fruit consumption and risk of constipation in individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Introduction. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Among the non-motor symptoms, intestinal constipation is one of the most frequently observed gastrointestinal issues. Objective. To evaluate the dietary intake and bowel movement frequency of individuals with PD. Method. An online clinical survey was conducted in May 2024 through the Fox Insight Data Exploration Network platform. A total of 416 individuals with PD participated by completing the online questionnaire. Results. The average age of participants was 64.7±5.22 years (range: 49.3–73.9), and the average age at diagnosis was 59.0±5.25 years (range: 41.9–68.3). Most participant (88%) had been diagnosed within the last 5 years. Constipation was reported by 37.5% of the participants. A significant association was found between fruit consumption and constipation (p=0.0001). Higher daily fruit consumption was associated with the presence of constipation, while weekly consumption was more common among those without constipation. Other variables, such as vegetable intake, time since diagnosis, and sex, did not show significant associations with constipation. Conclusion. Future studies should investigate adherence to healthy dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, specifically those with known laxative properties, to improve gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with PD.