Older people with constipation were a bit less likely to stop eating fiber, but it wasn’t a big or clear difference—age didn’t strongly predict who changed their diet.
Scientific Claim
In adults with idiopathic constipation, older patients (median age 59) were less likely to adopt a no-fiber or reduced-fiber diet compared to younger patients (median age 45–46), though this difference was not statistically significant.
Original Statement
“The median age of patients who stayed on a no fiber diet was 46 years ... on a reduced fiber diet was 45 years ... and on a high fiber diet was 59 years ... There was no statistical significant difference in age between the 3 groups.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately reflects the non-significant trend reported in the data and avoids causal language, making it appropriate for the study design.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The study shows that cutting fiber helps with constipation, but it doesn’t say anything about whether older or younger people are more likely to choose to cut fiber.