Consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To explore the association between consumption of spicy foods and prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)among Iranian adults.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,data from4763 Iranian adult participants were used.Consumption of spicy foods was estimated using a dietary habits questionnaire that included a question on spicy foods consumption:"how frequently do you use spicy foods(pepper,curry,ginger,cinnamon and turmeric)during a week?"Participants could respond to the question by choosing one of these choices:never,1-3 times,4-6times,7-9 times,or more than 10 times per week.A modified Persian version of the RomeⅢquestionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of IBS.RESULTS:IBS was prevalent in 21.7%(18.6%of men and 24.1%of women)of the study population.After controlling for potential confounders including dietary behaviors,those consuming spicy foods≥10 times per week were 92%more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=1.92;95%CI:1.23-3.01,Ptrend<0.01).The association remained significant even after taking lactose intolerance into account(OR=1.85;95%CI:1.18-2.90,Ptrend<0.01).Stratified analysis by gender revealed that the association between consumption of spicy foods and IBS was not significant in men;however,a significant association was found among women after taking potential cofounders,including meal regularity and lactose intolerance,into account.Women who consumed spicy foods≥10 times per week were two times more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=2.03;95%CI:1.09-3.77,Ptrend=0.02).CONCLUSION:Consumption of spicy foods is directly associated with IBS,particularly in women.Further,prospective studies are warranted to(1)examine this association in other populations;and(2)evaluate whether dietary interventions,for example a reduction in spice consumption,would improve IBS symptoms.