I know, not the most exciting title, but for anyone who suffers from constipation, vitamin B1 and constipation in seniors is an important topic! How about when you travel and become “irregular” for a few days? It’s not comfortable and certainly not fun. Now think about our residents who experience constipation daily. We give them prune juice, fiber, fluids, fresh vegetables, etc., and it doesn’t always seem to help. But did you know that increasing the daily intake of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) could lower the prevalence of constipation?

I have been guilty of questioning the “why” behind some research in the past, but this study was interesting and relevant to our residents! The study found that increasing the intake of B1 was associated with a 23% reduction in constipation risk, especially for men using hypertension medications. How many of your residents are taking hypertension medications? Sometimes the treatment is worse than the disease, and no medication is free of side effects.

The study found that an increase in B1 may facilitate softer stools and heighten intestinal motility, resulting in a decreased risk of constipation. Before you rush to get orders for vitamin B1 for your residents, consider increasing their intake through diet, not another pill. Here are a few foods high in B1:

• Legumes (all kinds of beans, nuts, lentils, etc.)
• Whole grain bread and pasta
• Fortified breakfast cereal
• Liver
• Salmon

How easy is this? Sure, not many residents will enjoy liver, but whole grains, fortified cereals, nuts, beans, and salmon are “staples” in most kitchens! Do your own study! Identify a handful of residents with a history of constipation, set up a food diary to track their consumption of B1-rich foods, and discuss the findings with your registered dietitian. Together, you can find ways to improve residents’ intake of vitamin B1 and constipation in seniors to reduce their constipation risk. Stay well and stay informed!