Flatus emission patterns and fibre intake

Knowledge of the normal range of flatus emissions and their relationship to diet, particularly fibre, would be helpful in managing patients who complain of excessive flatus or abdominal distention. Sixty men and 60 women aged between 17 and 67 kept a three-day daily record, including one week-end day, of their flatus emissions, dietary fibre intake and beer consumption. Daily flatus emissions averaged 12.7 (range to 2–53) for men and 7.1 (range 1–32) for women. Fibre intake averaged 28 ± 13 g for men and 24 ± 3 g for women. Flatus emissions significantly correlated with dietary fibre intake (p < .001). There was a correlation between increased aroma of flatus emissions and beer intake in men and men recorded more aromatic flatus than women. This study of 120 normal individuals eating their choice of foods provides a basis to judge degrees of abnormality in patients complaining of excessive flatus. Copyright © 1998 Taylor and Francis Ltd.