Intestinal gas: has diet anything to do in the absence of a demonstrable malabsorption state?

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Sep;15(5):489-93. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328356662d.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize the relevant publications during the last 12 months supporting that diet can influence gas-related symptoms in the absence of a malabsorption state.

Recent findings: Gas symptoms during carbohydrate fermentation: a diet incorporating beans is well tolerated by a majority of individuals involved in a program of heart disease biomarkers. By contrast, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a diet avoiding fermentable carbohydrates improved gas-related abdominal symptoms. The rate of fermentation determines the production of abdominal symptoms, and many slowly fermentable fibers have a rapid fermentation profile that can generate abdominal symptoms. Modulation of visceral sensitivity: diet can influence gas symptoms by increasing the tolerability of the intestine to gas. Capsaicin decreases visceral hyperalgesia and improved bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in gas-producing bacteria: different strains of Lactobacillus have antimicrobial properties against gas-forming coliforms. New clinical studies show beneficial effects of prebiotics and probiotics on abdominal bloating.

Summary: Actual data suggest that diet could improve gas-related abdominal symptoms acting on several mechanisms: gas production, visceral hypersensitivity and modulation of gas-producing enteric bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Capsaicin / pharmacology
  • Diet*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / adverse effects*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / metabolism
  • Dietary Fiber / metabolism*
  • Dietary Fiber / microbiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae / metabolism
  • Gases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / prevention & control
  • Intestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Intestinal Diseases / metabolism
  • Intestinal Diseases / microbiology
  • Intestines / drug effects
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Intestines / physiology*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / metabolism
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / microbiology
  • Malabsorption Syndromes
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Gases
  • Prebiotics
  • Capsaicin