Dietary Patterns in Runners with Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Sports Medicine
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• High-intensity running can exacerbate GIS in these populations, as well as in those with reflux.
• Understanding food choices and avoidances in runners with these conditions is crucial for managing exercise-induced GIS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate food avoidances and choices in runners experiencing GIS related to IBD, IBS, or reflux.
• To compare GIS, food avoidances, and food choices among runners with IBD/IBS, reflux, and a control group.
• To identify potential dietary triggers and nutritional guidance needs for runners with exercise-induced GIS.

Main Methods:

• A reliability and validity tested questionnaire was used to assess GIS, food avoidances, and food choices.
• Data were collected from runners with IBS/IBD (n=53) and reflux (n=37).
• Comparisons were made to a control group of runners (n=375) using Fisher's Exact test.

Main Results:

• Runners with IBS/IBD reported the highest incidence of exercise-induced GIS, followed by those with reflux.
• Common GIS included stomach pain/cramps, bloating, intestinal pain/cramps, and diarrhea.
• Despite avoiding trigger foods like milk and legumes, runners with IBS/IBD consumed gluten-containing grains and high-FODMAP fruits; reflux runners also consumed gluten grains and avoided high-fiber foods.

Conclusions:

• Runners with IBD/IBS and reflux experience significant exercise-induced GIS.
• Many runners with these conditions avoid trigger foods but still consume potentially aggravating pre-race meal components.
• Nutrition advice tailored to individual triggers and food choices is likely warranted for runners managing GIS.