Association Between Dietary Live Microbe Intake and Chronic Diarrhea and Fecal Incontinence: A Cross-Sectional NHANES 2005-2010 Study

Objective: We explored potential relationships between dietary live microbe intake and chronic diarrhea (CD) and fecal incontinence (FI). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Participants were categorized into three groups according to the Sanders classification system (low, medium, and high dietary live microbe groups). CD and FI were defined using a bowel health questionnaire. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were performed on weighted data to explore potential relationships. Results: In univariate logistic regression analyses, participants in the high dietary live microbe group exhibited a lower CD prevalence when compared to those in the low group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.79). After adjusting for covariates, model 2 (OR = 0.69 95% CI: 0.49-0.96) and model 3 (OR = 0.66 95% CI: 0.45-0.96) data were consistent with model 1 data. No significant association was identified between dietary live microbe intake and FI. Withal, subgroup analyses revealed significant associations between high dietary live microbes and CD in males or participants without abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and sleep disorder (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, consuming foods rich in live microbes may exert positive effects on CD risk. This finding may facilitate new management strategies for CD.