(P28-016-23) Behavioral Inhibition, Behavioral Activation, and Discomfort Intolerance Are Related to the Presence of Gastrointestinal Intolerance to Dietary Fiber

Objectives: Dietary fiber intake is linked to decreased chronic disease risk, and recently, altered cognition and eating behavior. Intake has been suboptimal for years for unknown reasons, though gastrointestinal (GI)-related barriers are anecdotally relevant. The primary objective of this study was to examine perceptions of and barriers to consuming dietary fiber. This study also examined the prevalence of self-reported GI-related barriers to consuming dietary fiber among a general adult population and the relationship with motivational systems and variables that influence behavior.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey included questions about barriers, as well as the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Scales (BIS/BAS) and Discomfort Intolerance Scale (DIS) to evaluate motivational systems that inform behavior and discomfort intolerance, respectively. Analysis of covariance was used to compare BIS/BAS and DIS scores according to the presence of a GI-related barrier, controlling for age and body mass index.

Results: Participants (n=131) were mostly female (72%) with a mean age of 41 years, and stated the dietary fiber recommendation was 37 g/day (range: 9-100 g/day), listing vegetables (63%) and whole grains (46%) as the most common foods previously consumed to increase intake. Most (76%) described ≥1 barrier to consumption. The most common was flatulence (34%) followed by “being too hard to pay attention to” (23%). 45% reported at least one GI-related barrier. All BIS/BAS variables were higher among those with a GI-related barrier (P≤0.01), suggesting individuals with a GI-related barrier to dietary fiber intake are more likely to avoid adverse experiences and pursue desired ones. Alternatively, those without a GI-related barrier had significantly higher DIS scores, suggesting an enhanced intolerance to discomfort (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: This preliminary study documents that self-reported GI-related barriers are key in poor dietary fiber consumption. Further, those who report a GI-related barrier in response to dietary fiber consumption may be more likely to pursue favorable experiences and avoid unfavorable ones. Future studies should replicate this work in a larger more representative sample and include measures of dietary intake.

Funding Sources: Start-up support provided by the University Vice President for Research.