ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, NUTRITIONAL STATUS, AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS FROM THE BAIXADA FLUMINENSE

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining body homeostasis and is strongly influenced by diet, such that changes in diet quality and nutritional status may modify microbial composition and contribute to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms, even in the absence of diagnosed diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults living in the Baixada Fluminense. This was an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study conducted between February and September 2025 with 106 adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 60 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire, gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Bristol Stool Scale, and nutritional status was determined by body mass index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A high prevalence of excess weight was observed (75.5%), with 36.8% of participants classified as overweight and 38.7% as obese. Despite this, gastrointestinal symptoms were mostly of low intensity, with flatulence being the most frequently reported symptom. Bowel habits were predominantly adequate, with 69.8% of individuals presenting stool types 3 and 4 on the Bristol Stool Scale. The dietary pattern was characterized by frequent consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and low intake of ultra-processed foods. These findings indicate that, despite the high prevalence of excess weight, the population presented mild gastrointestinal symptoms and adequate bowel habits, suggesting a protective effect of diet quality on gastrointestinal health.