Case Study: Utilizing a Low FODMAP Diet to Combat Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine if a short-term low FODMAP diet could reduce exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in a recreationally competitive multisport athlete.
Results Summary
The low FODMAP diet completely eliminated GI symptoms (scores dropped from 0-4 to 0) and improved perceptual wellbeing (DALDA scores improved from 3-10 to 0-8) compared to the habitual diet.
Population
Recreationally competitive multisport male athlete (86 kg, 57.9 ml·kg·min-1 V02max, 10-15 hr/week training) with no diagnosed GI disorder.
Effective Dosage
7.2 ± 5.7g FODMAPs/day
Duration
6 days
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low FODMAP diet | decrease | persistent running specific GI symptoms | recreationally competitive multisport athlete | - | attenuated | #1 |
low FODMAP diet | decrease | Daily and During GI symptom scores | recreationally competitive multisport athlete | 0 (no symptoms at all) | ranged from 0-4 vs 0 | #2 |
low FODMAP diet | decrease | DALDA scores for worse than normal | recreationally competitive multisport athlete | 0-8 | ranged from 3-10 vs 0-8 | #3 |
low FODMAP diet | decrease | DALDA scores | recreationally competitive multisport athlete | - | improvement | #4 |
low FODMAP diet | decrease | GI symptoms | GI symptom prone athlete | - | effective | #5 |
Athletes employ various dietary strategies in attempts to attenuate exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to ensure optimal performance. This case-study outlines one of these GI-targeted approaches via the implementation of a short-term low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet, with the aim to attenuate persistent running specific GI symptoms in a recreationally competitive multisport athlete (male, 86 kg, 57.9 ml·kg·min-1 V02max, 10-15 hr/week training, with no diagnosed GI disorder). Using a single-blinded approach a habitual diet was compared with a 6-day low FODMAP intervention diet (81 ± 5g vs 7.2 ± 5.7g FODMAP s/day) for their effect on GI symptoms and perceptual wellbeing. Training was similar during the habitual and dietary intervention periods. Postexercise (During) GI symptom ratings were recorded immediately following training. Daily GI symptoms and the Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA) were recorded at the end of each day. Daily and During GI symptom scores (scale 0-9) ranged from 0-4 during the habitual dietary period while during the low FODMAP dietary period all scores were 0 (no symptoms at all). DALDA scores for worse than normal ranged from 3-10 vs 0-8 in the habitual and low FODMAP dietary periods, respectively, indicating improvement. This intervention was effective for this GI symptom prone athlete; however, randomized-controlled trials are required to assess the suitability of low FODMAP diets for reducing GI distress in other symptomatic athletes.