Increased Long-term Dietary Fiber Intake Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Fecal Incontinence in Older Women.

Eating high-fiber foods for long duration may diminish the risk of fecal incontinence in older women.

​This study investigated the hypothesis that long-term intake of dietary fiber can reduce the risk of fetal incontinence in older women. Researchers recruited 58,330 women with an average age of 73 years from the Nurses' Health Study, assessed their dietary patterns, and estimated the odds of fecal incontinence occurring in each participant. 

Researchers found an 18% reduction in the risk of fecal incontinence among high consumers of fiber-rich foods. This 2018 US study supports the hypothesis that long-term consumption of dietary fiber may put older women in a great position to avoid fecal incontinence.