Gastrointestinal Complaints in Relation to Dietary Intake in Triathletes

This study examined the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and dietary intake in triathletes. Fifty-five male triathletes (age 31 +/- 6 yrs) were surveyed regarding the most recently completed half Iron Man triathlon. Questions were asked regarding GI symptoms and dietary intake. Fifty-two percent complained of eructation and 48% of flatulence. Other symptoms were abdominal bloating, vomiting urge, vomiting, nausea, stomachache, intestinal cramps, and diarrhea. More symptoms occurred while running than at other times. All individuals who had eaten within 30 min of the start vomited while swimming. Fat and protein intake was greater in those who vomited or had the urge to vomit than in those without these symptoms. Of the former, 93% had consumed a hypertonic beverage. Forty percent of those who drank a hypertonic beverage and only 11% of those who drank an iso- or hypotonic beverage had severe complaints. Four of five individuals with stomachache had consumed a strongly hypertonic beverage. All subjects with intestinal cramps had eaten fiber-rich foods in the prerace meal; only 10% of those without cramps had done so.