Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the UK adult population and perceived effects of foods.

purposeGlobally adults are not consuming enough fibre. One barrier to higher fibre intake may be the experience or expectation of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain. Identifying experiences of GI symptoms and perceptions of the role foods play could inform dietary advice to increase fibre consumption.

methodsAn online questionnaire explored GI symptoms in UK adults and their perceived association with individual foods (vegetables, fruit, fibre-rich products and other commonly consumed foods/drinks).

resultsOf 516 respondents (85% female, median age 38 years), 72.1% reported no existing GI conditions, yet 86% experienced GI symptoms in the past month (flatulence (72%), bloating (64%) and abdominal rumbling (58%)). The most concerning (causing anxiety or worry) symptoms were bloating (18%), heartburn (16%) and abdominal pain (13%). Among those without declared GI conditions, 71% attributed symptoms to foods/drinks, with 42% avoiding specific items, notably dairy (17%) and vegetables (13%). Food avoidance was more common in respondents with IBS (78%, P < 0.05). The most common perceptions were that beans (34%) and Brussels sprouts (23%) cause flatulence, fatty and dairy foods cause bloating (17%) and carbonated soft drinks cause belching (17%).

conclusionsAlthough flatulence was attributed to some fermentable fibre-rich foods, this symptom did not worry most respondents. The most concerning symptoms (bloating, pain and heartburn) were more commonly associated with other food categories (fatty, dairy and spicy foods). Reassurance that higher fibre intakes are unlikely to cause worrying symptoms could be important in dietary advice to increase consumption.