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Rapid orocecal transit in chronically active persons with high energy intake
A Harris1, A K Lindeman, B J Martin
1Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic exercise in humans may enhance digestion. Increased energy intake correlates with faster food passage, but not reduced nutrient absorption, suggesting significant gastrointestinal adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Exercise science
Background:
- Chronic physical activity increases human energy requirements and intake.
- The impact of heightened energy demands on digestive strategy is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increased physical activity and energy intake alter human digestive strategy.
- To compare food passage rate and nutrient absorption in individuals with varying activity levels.
Main Methods:
- Mouth-to-large intestinal lactulose transit time and xylose absorption were measured.
- Participants included young men with a wide range of daily physical activity and food intake.
- Xylose absorption was assessed via urinary excretion and breath hydrogen production.
Main Results:
- Faster mouth-to-cecum transit was observed in higher caloric consumers (r = -0.69, P < 0.01).
- Xylose absorption was not related to food intake.
- Dietary fiber intake was uncorrelated with energy intake.
Conclusions:
- Humans may possess a digestive strategy of rapid gut transit without compromising absorption.
- This adaptation parallels findings in animal species facing increased energy demands.
- Hyperphagia associated with chronic exercise in humans may involve significant gastrointestinal adaptations.