Total fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols intake, carbohydrate malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms during a 56 km trail ultramarathon event

Abstract

Aims: To explore the relationship between nutritional intake, fermentable oligo-, di, monosaccharides and polyols, and carbohydrate malabsorption, with gastrointestinal symptoms during a 56 km trail ultramarathon event and identify differences in nutritional intake between runners with severe and non-severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods: Forty-four ultramarathoners recorded and self-reported dietary intake 3 days before, morning of, and during the ultramarathon with gastrointestinal symptoms obtained retrospectively and nutrient analysis via FoodWorks. Carbohydrate malabsorption was determined via breath hydrogen content pre- and post-race. Spearman's rank-order and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to identify relationships and differences between groups.

Results: Total fermentable oligo-, di, monosaccharides and polyols intake were not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, but weak associations were observed for lower energy (r_s = -0.302, p = 0.044) and fat intake (r_s = -0.340, p = 0.024) 3 days before with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and higher caffeine intake 3 days before with overall gastrointestinal symptoms (r_s = 0.314, p = 0.038). Total fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols intake and breath hydrogen were not different between those with severe versus non-severe symptoms (p > 0.05). Although those with severe symptoms had higher caffeine (p = 0.032), and total polyols intake (p = 0.031) 3 days before, and higher % energy from fat (p = 0.043) and sorbitol intake (p = 0.026) during the race, and slower ultramarathon finish times (p = 0.042).

Conclusion: Total fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides intake and carbohydrate malabsorption were not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Additional research on the effect of fat, caffeine, and polyol intake on exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms is warranted and presents new nutritional areas for consideration when planning nutritional intake for ultramarathoners.

Keywords: FODMAP; breath hydrogen; caffeine; running.