Low back pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions worldwide, with various contributing factors. Recent research suggests that antioxidant intake, particularly through dietary means, may play a role in mitigating the risk of low back pain, especially among women.
Low back pain, encompassing different types such as nociceptive, nociplastic, non-specific, and neuropathic pain, is a common ailment associated with factors like aging, obesity, depression, and physical inactivity. Oxidative stress has been identified as a key element in its progression. Approximately 37% of adults globally suffer from low back pain, making it a leading cause of productivity loss.
The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning four periods from 1999 to 2010, aimed to explore the relationship between antioxidant intake and low back pain. Dietary information was collected through recall interviews, and the potential antioxidant capacity of diets was quantified using the CDAI scoring system.
Results from the analysis of 17,682 participants revealed intriguing insights. While there was no significant overall association between CDAI and low back pain in the fully adjusted model, subgroup analysis demonstrated a notable negative correlation in females. Females in the highest CDAI quartile exhibited a 20% lower likelihood of experiencing low back pain compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Further examination of antioxidant components highlighted selenium and zinc as independently associated with low back pain. Vitamin E also showed significance in the second model. A dose-response non-linear relationship was observed for zinc, selenium, or carotene concerning low back pain prevalence.
It’s crucial to note that recall-based assessments have inherent limitations, and despite adjustments for confounding factors, the influence of other potential variables cannot be entirely ruled out.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the potential role of antioxidants, particularly selenium and zinc, in reducing the risk of low back pain, with notable distinctions in the female subgroup. While more research is needed to delve into the intricacies of these associations, these findings provide valuable insights into the intersection of diet and musculoskeletal health.
