Case Study

Abstract

Athletes employ various dietary strategies in attempts to attenuate exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to ensure optimal performance. PURPOSE: This case-study outlines a novel GI-targeted approaches via the implementation of a short-term low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet, with the aim to attenuate persistent running-specific GI symptoms in a competitive multisport athlete (male, 86kg, 57.9 ml.kg.min-1 V02max, 10-15 hrs.week-1 training, with no diagnosed GI disorder). METHODS: Using a single blinded approach, a habitual diet was compared to a 6-day low FODMAP intervention diet (81 ± 5g vs 7.2 ± 5.7g FODMAPs.day-1) for their effect on GI symptoms and perceptual wellbeing. Training was similar during the habitual and dietary intervention period. Daily GI symptom ratings were recorded after exercise (During) and at the end of the day (Daily) as well as the Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA). RESULTS:Daily and During GI symptom scores (scale 0-9) ranged from 0-4 in level of severity during the habitual dietary period while during the low FODMAP dietary period all scores were 0 (no symptoms at all). DALDA scores for ‘worse than normal’ ranged from 3-10 vs 0-8 in the habitual and low FODMAP dietary periods, respectively, indicating improvement. CONCLUSION: This intervention was effective for this GI symptom prone athlete; however, appropriately designed large sample research is required to assess the suitability of low FODMAP diets for reducing GI distress in other symptomatic athletes.