Gastrointestinal Issues in Runners Not Linked to Bacterial Overgrowth
Author Information
Author(s): Kai Schommer, Dejan Reljic, Peter Bärtsch, Peter Sauer
Primary Institution: The University Hospital Heidelberg
Hypothesis
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is present in long distance runners frequently afflicted with gastrointestinal complaints.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal disorders in the examined long distance runners were not associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Supporting Evidence
- None of the subjects showed pathological hydrogen production after glucose intake.
- Only one athlete showed lactose intolerance after the lactose hydrogen breath test.
- The study suggests that SIBO is not a common cause for GI problems in long distance runners.
Takeaway
The study found that stomach problems in runners are not caused by too many bacteria in their intestines.
Methodology
Seven long distance runners underwent glucose and lactose hydrogen breath tests to check for SIBO.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and only included otherwise healthy runners.
Participant Demographics
5 female and 2 male runners, mean age 29.1 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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