Association of B vitamins with chronic constipation and diarrhea: a cross-sectional study based on data from NHANES

Objective To investigate the relationship between daily intake of B vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B6 and niacin) and chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea. Methods Data of 3 durations (2005-2006, 2007-2008 and 2009-2010) from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were collected and retrospectively analyzed. For the 13 788 participants, their intake of vitamin B1, B2, B6, and niacin were assessed through a 24-hour dietary recall interview. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the correlation between B vitamins and chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and curve fitting correlation analysis were conducted to further elucidate the observed relationships. Results Among the subjects who were enrolled in the study, 2 520 (18.28%) were diagnosed with chronic constipation, while 2 138 (15.51%) were diagnosed with chronic diarrhea. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and sensitivity analysis indicated linear correlations between the intake of vitamin B1, niacin and vitamin B6 and the occurrence of chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea. An increase in the daily intake of these nutrients potentially reduced the risk of chronic constipation, but also increased the risk of chronic diarrhea (P < 0.05). Conclusion Daily intake of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and niacin is correlated with the occurrence of chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea.