Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Systemic Laboratory Parameters: A Multivariable Cross-Sectional Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is suspected to correlate with systemic inflammation and vitamin D deficiency.
• The independent clinical significance of SIBO in relation to these markers requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if SIBO is independently associated with vitamin D status and systemic hematological markers.
• To evaluate the influence of host-related factors such as age, sex, and BMI on these associations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 162 adults who underwent hydrogen breath testing.
• Analysis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], leukocyte count, red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), and C-reactive protein.
• Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for age, sex, and BMI, examining SIBO status and hydrogen increment as variables.

Main Results:

• Unadjusted analyses showed lower 25(OH)D and higher leukocyte counts in SIBO-positive individuals.
• After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, SIBO status was not independently associated with 25(OH)D, leukocyte count, or RDW-SD.
• BMI was independently linked to leukocyte count, and age to RDW-SD; hydrogen increment showed no correlation with laboratory parameters.

Conclusions:

• SIBO does not appear to be an independent predictor of vitamin D status or systemic hematological markers.
• Host factors, specifically BMI and age, demonstrate a more significant impact on laboratory parameter variability compared to SIBO.
• Further research may be needed to elucidate the complex interplay between SIBO, host factors, and systemic health markers.