RECENT RESEARCH the constipation model( CMNC) group, the small intestinal propulsion rate in the MPS40 group increased by 41.21 %, and the gastric residue rate significantly decreased by 19.69 %. The improvement in constipation symptoms was most pronounced. Additionally, the abundance of Lactobacillus in the MPS40 group increased by 52.52 %, while the relative abundance of Prevotella decreased by 83.55 %, and the diversity of the gut microbiota was altered. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential commercial applications of WBDF in fiber-enriched functional foods to support intestinal health.
Wei S, Qian J, Zou M, Qian Y, Zhou W, Gu Y, Tang L, Liu H, Zhang C. Non-linear relationship between Dietary Inflammatory Index and constipation: threshold identification and insights from NHANES [ 2005-2010 ] and Mendelian randomization analysis. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Mar 14; 10:25. doi: 10.21037 / tgh-24-99. PMID: 40337765; PMCID: PMC12056116.
Background: With the acceleration of the pace of life and changes in dietary habits, functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially constipation, have become a significant public health issue affecting health and quality of life of people worldwide. Given the limitations of traditional treatments, adjusting dietary structure has become a more economical and convenient therapeutic approach. We aimed to explore the associations between the Dietary Inflammatory Index( DII) and constipation in this study.
Methods: This study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey( NHANES) data from 2005-2010, utilizing bowel movement frequency and stool characteristics questionnaires to determine constipation status, and calculating the DII based on 24-hour dietary recall data. To assess the relationship between the DII and constipation, we employed three models, which were further explored through inverse probability of treatment weighting( IPTW), restricted cubic splines( RCS) analysis, and Mendelian randomization.
Results: Individuals with a higher DII exhibited a higher risk of constipation.
In the unadjusted model, participants in the highest quartile( Q4) had a 2.85-fold increased risk of constipation compared to those in the lowest quartile( Q1) [ odds ratio( OR): 2.85; 95 % confidence interval( CI): 1.78-4.56; P < 0.001 ], with similar results observed in various adjusted models and IPTW adjusted models. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between the DII and constipation, with a threshold value( DII = 0.974) beyond which the risk of constipation significantly increased. Subgroup analysis showed that gender, income level, and diabetes status affected the relationship between the DII and constipation. Mendelian randomization analysis did not find any significant causal relationships for components of the DII, except for energy intake.
Conclusions: There is a nonlinear relationship between the DII and the risk of constipation, with a threshold value of 0.974, and differences in the risk of constipation associated with the DII across different income, gender, and diabetes status groups. These findings provide a basis for using the DII as a strategy for the prevention and intervention of constipation.
SPECIAL ISSUE CALL FOR PAPERS
Natural Medicine Approaches to Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder( ADHD)
There has been a significant spike over the past few years in the number of people diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is a psychological condition that can cause people to experience difficulty focusing, organising and managing time. People with ADHD are often impulsive and frequently creative thinkers and good problem solvers. 1 In Australia today, almost a million people have ADHD, according to the ADHD Foundation Australia. 2 ADHD medication levels have more than doubled in the past 5 years, with considerable cost to taxpayers through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme( now at $ 151.96 million). 3 Globally ADHD now ranks among the most common mental health conditions. 2
The Journal welcomes submissions describing natural medicine approaches to ADHD. These can include articles based on clinical experience, case studies, literature reviews, and articles of original research.
REFERENCES
1. Reachout Australia. ADHD: Everything you need to know. 2025. [ Cited April 27, 2025 ]. Available from: https:// au. reachout. com / challenges-and-coping / adhd / everything-you-need-to-know-about-adhd? gad _ source = 1 & gclid = Cj0KCQjwiLLABhCEARIsAJYS6ukt8qgvh3fXBos1ns4j9yyuQ8qugH3NLcgpdxe2orDD
2. ADHD Foundation Australia. People diagnosed with ADHD. 2025. [ Cited April 27, 2025 ]. Available from: https:// adhdfoundation. org. au
3. Hooton A. Why has everyone suddenly got ADHD? The Age. 2024, March 9. Available from: https:// www. theage. com. au / national / whyhas-everyone-suddenly-got-adhd-20240214-p5f4rr. html
Submissions due: 24 October, 2025 sandra. grace @ atms. com. au