Associations of dietary calcium and magnesium intake with chronic diarrheal symptoms and inflammatory bowel disease: a large cross- sectional study in adults

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the relationships between dietary magnesium and calcium intake and symptoms of chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Globally, the prevalence of IBD and chronic diarrheal symptoms is increasing. Research on nutritional factors in the diet associated with IBD and chronic diarrheal symptoms may be helpful. Method We performed a cross-sectional analysis utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data in 2005-2010. Information on dietary calcium and magnesium intake was assessed using the first 24-hour dietary recall interview, and IBD and chronic diarrheal symptoms were presented by questionnaire. Correlations were examined using multivariable logistic regression equations. Result After adjusting for relevant variables, those with higher dietary intakes of calcium and magnesium showed a higher frequency of IBD (highest quartile calcium intake: OR = 3.685, 95% CI = 1.572-8.641; highest quartile magnesium intake: OR = 2.985, 95% CI = 1.256-7.094), and similar results were observed in chronic diarrheal symptoms (highest quartile calcium intake: OR = 1.115, 95% CI = 1.001-1.242; third and fourth quartiles of magnesium intake: OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.038-1.285; OR = 1.144, 95% CI = 1.024-1.277). The inflection points for calcium and magnesium intake with chronic diarrheal symptoms were 1690 mg and 351 mg. Subgroup analyses revealed that a stronger correlation between dietary calcium and chronic diarrheal symptoms was more significant among elderly adults (≥60 years), participants with hypertension, and Mexican-American people. Conversely, the link between dietary magnesium and chronic diarrheal symptoms was stronger in females and participants with hypertension. Conclusion In conclusion, higher dietary calcium and magnesium intakes were associated with higher prevalence of IBD and chronic diarrheal symptoms, this will draw attention to daily calcium and magnesium intake in patients with IBD and chronic diarrheal symptoms.