Neighborhood food store availability in relation to food intake in young Japanese women

ObjectiveInformation on the association between the local food environment and the diet of individuals is limited, particularly in settings with high population density and, hence, high food-store density, such as Japan. This cross-sectional study examined the association between neighborhood food-store availability and individual food intake in a group of young Japanese women.MethodsParticipants were 990 female Japanese dietetic students 18–22 y of age. Neighborhood food-store availability was defined as the number of food stores within a 1-km mesh-block of residence, derived from the census of commerce. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated, comprehensive self-administered diet-history questionnaire.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounding factors, including household socioeconomic status, geographic variables, and the frequency of eating out, neighborhood store availability for confectioneries and bread (based on confectionery stores/bakeries, supermarkets, and grocery and convenience stores) was significantly positively associated with the intake of confectioneries and bread. No significant independent association was seen between neighborhood store availability for the other foods examined, including meat (meat stores, supermarkets, and grocery stores), fish (fish stores, supermarkets, and grocery stores), fruit and vegetables (fruit/vegetable stores, supermarkets, and grocery stores), and rice (rice stores, supermarkets, and grocery and convenience stores) with intake of each food.ConclusionIn a group of young Japanese women, increasing neighborhood store availability for confectioneries and bread was independently associated with higher intake of confectioneries and bread. In contrast, no association between availability and intake was seen for meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, or rice.     

Neighborhood socioeconomic status in relation to dietary intake and body mass index in female Japanese dietetic students

ObjectiveAn increasing number of studies conducted in Western countries have shown that living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with unfavorable dietary intake patterns and an unfavorable health status. However, information on such neighborhood socioeconomic differences in diet and health among different cultural settings, including Japan, is absolutely lacking. This cross-sectional study examined the association of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) with dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) in a group of young Japanese women.MethodsSubjects were 3892 female Japanese dietetic students 18–20 y of age from 53 institutions, residing in 1033 municipalities in 47 prefectures in Japan. Neighborhood SES index was defined by seven municipal-level variables, namely unemployment, household overcrowding, poverty, education, income, home ownership, and vulnerable groups, with an increasing index signifying increasing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated, comprehensive self-administered diet history questionnaire. BMI was computed from self-reported body weight and height.ResultsNeighborhood SES index was not materially associated with most of the dietary variables. However, neighborhood SES index was positively associated with BMI, with significance (P for trend = 0.020). This significant association remained after adjustment for potential confounding or mediating factors including household SES, dietary, other lifestyle, and geographic factors (P for trend = 0.037).ConclusionAlthough no material association was seen between neighborhood SES and dietary intake, increasing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was independently associated with increasing BMI in a group of young Japanese women.     

Neighborhood socioeconomic status in relation to dietary intake and insulin resistance syndrome in female Japanese dietetic students

ObjectiveAn increasing number of studies in Western countries have shown that living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with unfavorable dietary intake patterns and health status. However, information on such neighborhood socioeconomic differences in diet and health among different cultural settings, including Japan, is limited. This cross-sectional study examined the association of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) with dietary intake and a summary score of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) in a group of young Japanese women.MethodsSubjects were 1081 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18 to 22 y residing in 295 municipalities in Japan. Neighborhood SES index was defined by seven municipal-level variables, namely unemployment, household overcrowding, poverty, education, income, home ownership, and vulnerable group, with an increasing index signifying increasing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated, comprehensive self-administered diet-history questionnaire. Measurements of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, glucose, and insulin were combined into an IRS score, with an increasing score signifying increasing levels of components of the IRS.ResultsNeighborhood SES index was not associated with most of the dietary variables, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, or glucose. However, neighborhood SES index was significantly positively associated with systolic blood pressure, insulin, and IRS score, after adjustment for potential confounding or mediating factors, including household SES, dietary, and lifestyle factors.ConclusionNeighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with unfavorable profiles of the IRS score, but not dietary intake, in a group of young Japanese women.     

Serum adiponectin concentration in relation to macronutrient and food intake in young Japanese women

ObjectiveLittle is known about the relation of modifiable dietary factors to circulating adiponectin concentrations, particularly in young adults and non-Western populations. The aim of this study was to determine the association between macronutrient and food intake and serum adiponectin concentration in a group of young Japanese women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1047 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18 to 22 y. Using a validated, self-administered, comprehensive diet history questionnaire, we assessed intake of nutrients (protein, total fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber) and foods (rice, bread, noodles, potatoes, confectioneries, fats and oils, pulses, fish and shellfish, meats, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, coffee, green and oolong tea, black tea, and soft drinks) and glycemic index and load. Fasting blood samples were collected and serum adiponectin concentrations were measured. Adjustment was made for survey year, region, municipality level, current smoking, current alcohol drinking, physical activity, body mass index, energy intake, and intakes of other nutrients or foods.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounding factors, none of the nutrients examined was a significant determinant of serum adiponectin concentration. There was no association for glycemic index or load. Coffee was the only food significantly and independently associated with serum adiponectin concentration. Mean (SE) values of serum adiponectin concentration for each quartile of coffee intake were 12.4 (0.2), 12.4 (0.5), 12.5 (0.3), and 13.2 (0.3) μg/mL, respectively (P for trend = 0.04).ConclusionIn a group of young Japanese women, higher coffee intake was independently associated with higher serum adiponectin concentration.     

Nutrient and food intake in relation to serum leptin concentration among young Japanese women

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the relation of modifiable dietary factors to circulating leptin concentrations, particularly in young adults and non-Western populations. We examined cross-sectional associations between nutrient and food intake and serum leptin concentration in young Japanese women. METHODS: Subjects were 424 female Japanese dietetic students 18-22 y of age. Intake of macronutrients (protein, total fat; saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids; and carbohydrate), dietary fiber, and 12 food groups was assessed with a validated, self-administered, comprehensive, diet history questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: For nutrients, only dietary fiber was a significant determinant of serum leptin concentration. Increasing dietary fiber intake was associated with lower serum leptin concentration independent of potential confounding factors, including body mass index (mean serum leptin concentrations in the lowest and highest quintiles of dietary fiber intake were 8.6 and 7.5 ng/mL, respectively; P for trend = 0.026). Vegetables and pulses were the only foods significantly associated with serum leptin concentration, with higher intakes independently associated with lower concentrations (mean serum leptin concentrations in the lowest and highest quintiles of intake were 8.1 and 7.0 ng/mL, P for trend = 0.007, for vegetables and 8.8 and 7.6 ng/mL, P for trend = 0.019, for pulses, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intake of dietary fiber, vegetables, and pulses showed an independent inverse association with serum leptin concentration in a group of young Japanese women.     

Vitamin K content of foods and dietary vitamin K intake in Japanese young women

Several reports indicate an important role for vitamin K in bone health as well as blood coagulation. However, the current Adequate Intakes (AI) might not be sufficient for the maintenance of bone health. To obtain a closer estimate of dietary intake of phylloquinone (PK) and menaquinones (MKs), PK, MK-4 and MK-7 contents in food samples (58 food items) were determined by an improved high-performance liquid chromatography method. Next, we assessed dietary vitamin K intake in young women living in eastern Japan using vitamin K contents measured here and the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan. PK was widely distributed in green vegetables and algae, and high amounts were found in spinach and broccoli (raw, 498 and 307 microg/100 g wet weight, respectively). Although MK-4 was widely distributed in animal products, overall MK-4 content was lower than PK. MK-7 was observed characteristically in fermented soybean products such as natto (939 microg/100 g). The mean total vitamin K intake of all subjects (using data from this study and Japanese food composition tables) was about 230 microg/d and 94% of participants met the AI of vitamin K for women aged 18-29 y in Japan, 60 microg/d. The contributions of PK, MK-4 and MK-7 to total vitamin K intake were 67.7, 7.3 and 24.9%, respectively. PK from vegetables and algae and MK-7 from pulses (including fermented soybean foods) were the major contributors to the total vitamin K intake of young women living in eastern Japan.     

Relationship of self-concept to nutrient intake and eating patterns in young women

The relationships between attitudes toward oneself (self-concept) and nutrition-related behavior were examined for 153 single women aged 18 to 35 years. Nutrition-related behaviors were assessed with 3-day food records that were analyzed for nutrient composition and eating patterns (Basic Four Food Group scores, number of meals per day, and percent of energy from meals and snacks). Attitudes toward self, knowledge and attitudes about nutrition, and general health practices were assessed with a written questionnaire that incorporated several existing scales. Because of potential overlap among the three self-concept scales, as well as nutrition-attitude and health-practice items, responses were factor analyzed, yielding 14 factors. These factors were then compared with nutrient intake and eating patterns. Scores for the seemingly desirable factors of the "Super Person" or "Do Your Own Thing" were negatively correlated with intake of several nutrients; scores on the self-perception of a "Traditional" orientation to life were positively related to calcium intake and meal patterns. The "Nutrition Is Important" and "Nutrition Knowledge" factors were also positively related to desirable eating patterns and nutrient intakes. We conclude that several self-concept variables, as well as nutrition attitudes and knowledge, can potentially influence nutrient intakes and eating patterns in young women.     

Association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation among young Japanese women

OBJECTIVE: Most research on constipation has focused on dietary fiber intake. Here, we examined the intake of water and magnesium, nutrients possibly associated with constipation, as well as that of dietary fiber in relation to constipation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 3835 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18-20 years from 53 institutions in Japan. METHODS: Dietary intake was estimated with a validated, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Functional constipation was defined using the Rome I criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of functional constipation was 26.2%. Neither dietary fiber intake (mean=6.4 g/4186 kJ) nor intakes of total water and water from fluids were associated with constipation. Conversely, low intake of water from foods was associated with an increasing prevalence of constipation. In comparison with women in the first (lowest) quintile, the multivariate adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for women in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles were 0.72 (0.57, 0.90), 0.78 (0.62, 0.98), 0.71 (0.56, 0.89), and 0.77 (0.61, 0.97), respectively (P for trend=0.04). Additionally, low magnesium intake was associated with increasing prevalence of constipation. Compared with women in the first quintile, the multivariate adjusted OR (95% CI) for women in the second, third, fourth and fifth quintiles were 0.70 (0.56, 0.88), 0.75 (0.60, 0.95), 0.73 (0.58, 0.92) and 0.79 (0.63, 0.996), respectively (P for trend=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Low intakes of water from foods and magnesium are independently associated with an increasing prevalence of functional constipation among a population whose dietary fiber intake is relatively low.     

Low energy intake and dietary quality are associated with low objective sleep quality in young Japanese women

Literature reports suggest that subjective sleep quality is associated with nutrient intake in elderly people and workers. However, few studies have suggested an association between objective sleep quality and dietary intake in adolescents and young women. We hypothesized that objective sleep quality is associated with dietary intake in adolescents and young women. We evaluated the association between energy and nutrient intake and objective sleep quality in adolescents and young Japanese women. In a cross-sectional study of 80 women aged 18-27 years, dietary intake was assessed using the self-administered diet history questionnaire. Objective sleep quality was assessed by actigraphy. Lifestyle characteristics, dietary habits, and mental health were assessed using specific questionnaires. Subjects were classified into 3 groups according to sleep efficiency (SE <80%, 80%-85%, and ≥85%), and the relationships between dietary intake and objective sleep quality were statistically evaluated. No significant differences occurred in lifestyle characteristics, physical activity levels, eating behavior, and mental health status among the 3 SE groups. Energy intake was significantly lower in the low-SE group than in the middle- (P = .004) and high- (P = .015) SE groups. Protein intake was significantly lower in the low-SE group than in the high-SE group (P = .034). The mean energy-adjusted intakes of vitamin K, vitamin B₂, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and tryptophan were significantly lower in the low-SE group than in the high-SE group. Adequate energy intake and a high-quality diet including vitamins, minerals, and tryptophan may result in high sleep quality and help prevent sleep problems.     

Nutrition knowledge, attitude to healthier eating and dietary intake in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women

The nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary behaviour of a group of women in early pregnancy and a group of non-pregnant women were compared to ascertain the impact of pregnancy on diet. The main results indicate that pregnant women do eat differently from non-pregnant women, in particular intakes of zinc and vitamin C, and the nutrient density of protein and sodium were higher and intakes of alcohol lower in the pregnancy group compared to the non-pregnant group. The group of pregnant women also tended to consume more milk and fruit and less chocolate, cakes and pastries compared to nonpregnant women. However, the differences in dietary behaviour between the two groups could not be accounted for by nutrition knowledge (the same in both groups). Higher scores for beliefs about 'healthier eating' and subjective norm were found in the early pregnancy group which might account for some of the observed differences between the groups. In addition, it is concluded that 'historicity' or a basic 'knowledge' of which foods to consume is prevalent in early pregnancy.     

Disordered eating attitudes in relation to body image and emotional intelligence in young women

Background:  A number of different psychological factors have been implicated in the multifactorial aetiology of disordered eating (DE) attitudes and behaviours; however, the possible role of emotional intelligence in DE symptomatology has not been thoroughly investigated in the past. The present study aimed to explore the possible differences in emotional intelligence, body image and anxiety levels in young females with DE attitudes and healthy controls. Methods:  A total of 92 Greek female university students, 18–30 years old, were recruited. Subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26), the Multidimensional Body‐Self Questionnaire (MBRSQ), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the BarOn Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (BarOn EQ‐I). Results:  The EAT‐26 revealed that 23% of the subjects presented DE attitudes. Women in the DE atttitudes group had lower levels of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in comparison to the control group, particularly in factors such as emotional self‐awareness (P < 0.05), empathy (P < 0.05), interpersonal relationships (P < 0.001), stress management (P < 0.05) and happiness (P < 0.05). The MBRSQ has revealed significant differences between the two groups in terms of overweight preoccupation (P < 0.001) and illlness orientation (P < 0.01). The DE atttitudes group had higher anxiety scores (STAI), although the differences were not significant. Finally, anxiety levels (STAI) were significantly correlated with levels of EI (BarOn EQ‐I) (P < 0.001). Conclusions:  The young women enrolled in the present study with DE attitudes, a potential precursor to eating disorders, appear to have significant differences in many psychometrical parameters of emotional intelligence, such as emotional self‐awareness and interpersonal relationships, which is an important finding in terms of the prevention and management of DE, and warrants further investigation.     

Misreporting of dietary energy, protein, potassium and sodium in relation to body mass index in young Japanese women

OBJECTIVE: Although under-reporting of dietary intake is more common in persons with a high body mass index (BMI), it is not well known whether or not misreporting is selective for different foods (and hence energy and nutrients), particularly in non-Western populations. We examined misreporting of dietary intake against biomarkers and its relation with BMI in young Japanese women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 353 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18-22 years (mean BMI: 21.4 kg/m(2), mean fat intake: 29.8% of energy). METHODS: Misreporting of dietary energy, protein, potassium and sodium (assessed by a self-administered diet history questionnaire) was examined against respective biomarkers (estimated energy expenditure and 24-h urinary excretion). Reporting accuracy was calculated as the ratio of reported intake to that estimated from corresponding biomarkers (complete accuracy: 1.00). RESULTS: Mean reporting accuracy of absolute intake (amount per day) varied considerably (0.86-1.14). Reporting accuracy of absolute intake decreased with increasing BMI (P for trend <0.001). However, no association was observed between reporting accuracy of energy-adjusted values and BMI (P for trend >0.15), indicating that BMI-dependent misreporting was canceled by energy adjustment. This was owing to positive correlation between the reporting accuracy of energy intake and that of absolute intake of the three nutrients (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.49-0.67, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although differential misreporting of absolute intake was associated with BMI, differential misreporting of energy-adjusted value was not. These findings support the use of energy-adjusted values in the investigation of diet-disease relationships among lean populations with a low-fat intake.     

Dietary intake and use of dietary supplements in relation to demographic variables among pregnant Finnish women

Proper nutrition during pregnancy may be important for maternal health and fetal growth and development. In Finland, targeted recommendations are given to guide pregnant women in their food choice and dietary supplement use so that they may obtain adequate nutritional status and meet the increased need for nutrients. The aims of the present study were to examine food choices, nutrient intake and dietary supplement use of pregnant Finnish women in association with demographic variables. One thousand and seventy-five families were invited to a birth cohort study during 1998-9. Mothers of 797 newborns completed a validated 181-item food-frequency questionnaire from which the food and nutrient intakes were calculated. The information about supplement use was collected concerning the whole pregnancy. The results of the present study suggest that healthy food choices are rather common among pregnant Finnish women and the choices are positively correlated with age and education. Nutrient supplements were used by 85 % of the women. Supplements were favoured by the older and well-educated women and by those who had normal weight before pregnancy. Of the women in the present study, 31 % received vitamin A-containing supplements, although it is not recommended during pregnancy. Taking food and supplementation into account, the intake of vitamin D did not meet the dietary recommendation and folic acid intake was below recommendation in 44 % of the women. Therefore there seemed to be unnecessary nutrient supplementation and at the same time lack of relevant supplementation among these pregnant women.     

Association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and dietary intake in Vietnamese young women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a strong independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated the relationship between hsCRP and dietary intake in apparently healthy young women living in southern Vietnam.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Serum hsCRP was measured and dietary intake data were obtained using the 1-day 24-hour recall method in women (n = 956; mean age, 25.0 ± 5.7 years) who participated in the International Collaboration Study for the Construction of Asian Cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) in 2011.

RESULTS

Women in the high risk group (> 3 mg/L) consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, total plant food, potassium, and folate than those in the low risk group (< 1 mg/L). A multiple regression analysis after adjusting for covariates revealed a significant negative association between hsCRP and fruit and vegetable consumption. A logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of having a high hsCRP level in women with the highest quartiles of consumption of fruits and vegetables [OR, 0.391; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.190-0.807], potassium [OR, 0.425; 95% CI, 0.192-0.939] and folate [OR, 0.490; 95% CI, 0.249-0.964] were significantly lower than those in the lowest quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, in young Vietnamese women, an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables might be beneficial for serum hsCRP, a risk factor for future CVD events.     

Estimating the relation between dietary intake obtained from a food frequency questionnaire and true average intake

Knowledge of the regression relation between dietary intake reported on a food frequency questionnaire and true average intake is useful in interpreting results from nutritional epidemiologic studies and in planning such studies. Studies which validate a questionnaire against a food record may be used to estimate this regression relation provided the food record is completed by each subject on at least two occasions. Using data collected from women aged 45-69 years during 1985-1986 in the pilot study of the Women's Health Trial, the authors show how variation in diet over time and intraindividual correlation between a questionnaire and food record obtained close together in time affects the estimation of the regression. The authors' method provides estimates of the regression slope and the questionnaire "bias" that are corrected for these effects, together with standard errors. A computer program in the SAS language, for carrying out the analysis, is provided.     

Dietary sodium intake in young Korean adults and its relationship with eating frequency and taste preference

Dietary sodium intake is considered one of the major causal factors for hypertension. Thus, to control the increase of blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension-related clinical complications, a reduction in sodium intake is recommended. The present study aimed at determining the association of dietary sodium intake with meal and snack frequency, snacking time, and taste preference in Korean young adults aged 20-26 years, using a 125-item dish-frequency questionnaire. The mean dietary sodium intakes of men and women were 270.6 mmol/day and 213.1 mmol/day, which were approximately 310% and 245% of the daily sodium intake goal for Korean men and women, respectively. Dietary sodium intake was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure in the total group, and BMI in the total and men-only groups. In the total and men-only groups, those who consumed meals more times per day consumed more dietary sodium, but the number of times they consumed snacks was negatively correlated with dietary sodium intake in the total, men-only, and women-only groups. In addition, those who consumed snacks in the evening consumed more sodium than those who did so in the morning in the men-only group. The sodium intake was also positively associated with preference for salty and sweet taste in the total and women-only groups. Such a high intake of sodium in these young subjects shows that a reduction in sodium intake is important for the prevention of hypertension and related diseases in the future.     

Young adults and eating away from home: associations with dietary intake patterns and weight status differ by choice of restaurant

Background

Young adults report frequent away-from-home eating; however, little is known regarding what types of restaurants are patronized or whether associations with dietary intake and weight status differ according to restaurant type.

Objective

This cross-sectional study in a diverse sample of young adults examines sociodemographic differences in the frequency of eating at different types of fast-food and full-service (server brings food to table) restaurants. In addition, this study examines whether associations between away-from-home eating, dietary intake, and weight status differ according to restaurant type.

Design

There were 1,030 men and 1,257 women (mean age=25.3 years) who participated in Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). Participants were members of a longitudinal cohort who completed baseline surveys at schools in Minneapolis/St Paul, MN, and completed the EAT-III surveys online or by mail in 2008-2009.

Main outcome measures

Height, weight, and usual dietary intake were self-reported.

Statistical analyses performed

Regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to examine associations between frequency of restaurant use, dietary intake, and weight status.

Results

More frequent use of fast-food restaurants that primarily served burgers and french fries was associated with higher risk for overweight/obesity; higher intake of total energy, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fat; and with lower intake of healthful foods and key nutrients. For example, those who reported burger-and-fries restaurant use on three or more occasions per week consumed nearly one additional sugar-sweetened beverage per day compared to those who reported burger-and-fries restaurant use on less than one occasion per week. More frequent use of fast-food restaurants that primarily served sandwiches/subs was related to a few markers of poorer diet quality, but unrelated to weight status. More frequent use of full-service restaurants was also unrelated to weight status and related to higher intake of vegetables.

Conclusions

There may be a need for interventions to promote healthier food choices among young adults who report frequent burger-and-fries restaurant use.     

Dietary intake in relation to self-reported constipation among Japanese women aged 18-20 years

OBJECTIVE: Information on modifiable lifestyle factors associated with constipation is limited, especially among non-Western populations. We examined associations between dietary intake and self-reported constipation in young Japanese women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 1,705 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18-20 years and free of current disease and current dietary counseling. METHODS: Dietary intake was estimated over a 1-month period with a validated, self-administered, diet history questionnaire, and lifestyle variables including self-reported constipation were assessed by a second questionnaire designed for this survey. RESULTS: A total of 436 women (26%) reported themselves to be 'constipated'. A multivariate odds ratio (OR) for women in the highest quartile of rice intake was 0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33, 0.68) compared with the lowest. Additionally, women in the highest category of coffee intake had a multivariate OR of 0.67 (0.47, 0.94) compared with women in the lowest. Conversely, women in the highest quartile of confectionery intake had a multivariate OR of 1.54 (1.12, 2.13) compared with women in the lowest. Moreover, a multivariate OR for constipation for women in the highest quartile of Japanese and Chinese tea intake was 1.49 (1.09, 2.05) compared with women in the lowest. Neither total dietary fiber intake nor other lifestyle factors examined were associated with constipation. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of rice and coffee was inversely associated with and that of confectioneries and Japanese and Chinese tea was positively associated with a prevalence of self-reported constipation.