Low Magnesium Intake and Low Intake of Water from Foods May be Associated with Greater Prevalence of Functional Constipation "Association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation among young Japanese women," Murakami K, Sasaki S, et al, (Address: Dr. S Sasaki, Nutritional Epidemiology Program, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8636, Japan. E-mail: stssasak@nih.go.jp ). Summary: In a cross-sectional study involving 3,835 Japanese women (aged 18-20 years) with relatively low intake of dietary fiber, results indicate that intakes of magnesium and water from foods may be independently inversely associated with functional constipation. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Functional constipation was prevalent in 26.2% of the participants. An inverse association was observed between intake of water from foods and functional constipation, where the highest quintile of intake of water from foods was associated with a 23% reduced risk of functional constipation, compared with the lowest quintile. Additionally, magnesium intake was inversely associated with functional constipation, where the highest quintile of magnesium intake showed a 21% reduced risk of functional constipation, compared with the lowest quintile. On the other hand, neither dietary fiber intake nor intakes of total water and water from fluids were associated with functional constipation. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Low intakes of water from foods and magnesium are independently associated with an increasing prevalence of functional constipation among a population whose dietary fiber intake is relatively low." Eur J Clin Nutr, 2007; 61(5): 616-22. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.