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Effect of running intensity on intestinal permeability
K L Pals1, R T Chang, A J Ryan
1Department of Exercise Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1111, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 1, 1997
Summary
High-intensity running (80% VO2peak) significantly increases small intestinal permeability in healthy individuals. This study found no correlation between increased permeability and gastrointestinal symptoms or gastric damage.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Enhanced intestinal permeability is linked to gastrointestinal issues in endurance athletes.
- Understanding the impact of exercise intensity on gut barrier function is crucial for athletes' health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different running intensities affect small intestinal permeability.
- To examine the relationship between intestinal permeability and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- To assess potential gastric damage using sucrose as a probe.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy volunteers underwent treadmill exercise at 40%, 60%, and 80% of their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) for 60 minutes.
- A solution containing lactulose, rhamnose, and sucrose was ingested 30 minutes into rest or exercise.
- Small intestinal permeability was measured using the lactulose-to-rhamnose urinary excretion ratio, analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- Running at 80% VO2peak significantly increased small intestinal permeability compared to rest and lower intensities (P < 0.05).
- No significant increase in gastrointestinal symptoms was observed despite elevated intestinal permeability.
- Urinary sucrose recovery did not indicate increased gastric permeability.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity exercise demonstrably impairs small intestinal barrier function.
- The clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced intestinal permeability changes warrant further research.
- Current findings suggest that while high-intensity running affects gut permeability, it may not directly correlate with immediate gastrointestinal symptoms or gastric damage in healthy individuals.