The Role of Constipation in the Development of Dyslipidemia in the Elderly

What is it about?

This review explains how chronic constipation in adults aged 65+ can worsen blood lipid levels and raise cardiovascular risk. Constipation can disrupt the gut microbiota, reduce short-chain fatty acids, and weaken the intestinal barrier. As a result, bacterial toxins (LPS) enter the blood (“metabolic endotoxemia”), driving low-grade inflammation that pushes LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides up. We summarized 31 studies (2010–2025) and found consistent links between constipation, dysbiosis, barrier dysfunction (e.g., higher zonulin), inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α), and unfavorable lipid profiles. Early data suggest that probiotics and polyphenol-rich diets may improve stool frequency, gut barrier health, and some lipid parameters.

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Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Constipation affects up to ~40% of older adults and is often treated only as a comfort issue. This work shows it may be a systemic cardiometabolic risk factor that contributes to dyslipidemia and possibly frailty or sarcopenia through gut-driven inflammation. Recognizing this pathway helps clinicians broaden lipid management beyond statins and diet alone—adding constipation screening and simple gut-focused strategies that may benefit lipids, vascular risk, and quality of life.

Perspectives