NEW research has shed light on the intriguing relationship between oxidative stress and bowel health in U.S. adults. Analysing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007–2010, researchers explored how the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), a measure of overall oxidative stress influenced by diet and lifestyle, correlates with constipation and diarrhea. Notably, the study revealed distinct sex differences in these associations.
The cross-sectional analysis included 4,462 participants, evenly split between men and women. Constipation and diarrhea were defined using bowel frequency and stool type, as outlined in the Bowel Health Questionnaire. Higher OBS values, indicating lower oxidative stress, were found to have protective effects. For men, a higher OBS was significantly linked to a reduced risk of constipation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.937, P = 0.017). Meanwhile, for women, a higher OBS was associated with a reduced risk of diarrhea (OR: 0.951, P = 0.009). These trends were further supported by restricted cubic spline analyses, which demonstrated negative linear relationships between oxidative balance and these bowel conditions.
The findings highlight potential underlying mechanisms, including the roles of oxidative stress and gut microbiota in intestinal dysfunction. The sex-specific effects point to differences in how oxidative stress impacts gastrointestinal health in men and women. The study also suggests that antioxidant-rich diets could be a viable strategy to mitigate constipation in men and diarrhea in women, offering a non-invasive approach to improving bowel health.
With bowel health playing a crucial role in overall well-being, these findings underscore the importance of dietary and lifestyle interventions to maintain optimal oxidative balance and prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Future research may delve deeper into the interplay between oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and sex-specific health outcomes.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Cao Y et al. The association between oxidative balance score with constipation and diarrhea in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007–2010. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03597-5.
