Recent studies have shown that how often a person goes to the bathroom depends solely on one vitamin.
Scientists studying the genetic factors that determine bowel function have found that stool frequency may depend on vitamin B1 (thiamine). The researchers focused on examining gut motility — the speed at which food moves through the gastrointestinal tract. Motility issues can cause constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the prevalence of these disorders, the exact biological mechanisms behind their occurrence have remained unclear.
Scientists and geneticists analyzed genetic material from over 260,000 residents of Europe and East Asia. The initial goal of the study was not to identify links to vitamins; however, the data obtained showed a correlation between toilet frequency and genes that regulate thiamine metabolism.
The researchers identified two specific gene variants that influence proteins involved in the transport and activation of thiamine. It turned out that carriers of certain versions of these genes differ in the number of bowel movements. Further analysis of data from the UK Biobank confirmed that a diet enriched with vitamin B1 positively affects stool regularity, although for individuals with the identified genetic traits, this relationship was different.
Thiamine is found in whole grains, nuts, meat, and fish products. Although this vitamin was previously considered a key component of energy metabolism, its impact on gut health has only recently become the subject of active scientific discussions.
Scientists believe that further research will enable the development of personalized approaches to the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, based on individual patient characteristics, including genetic predisposition.
Leave a comment