Colonic fermentation after ingestion of fructose-containing sports drink
Mitsui, T.; Shimaoka, K.; Kanao, Y.; Kondo, T.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 41(1): 121-123
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4707 PMID: 11317159 Document Number: 536054
Background: Many commercially available sports drinks contain 5-6% carbohydrates, some of which is fructose. However, a number of studies of abdominal complaints have indicated fructose malabsorption. In the present study, we examined colonic fermentation of a fructose-containing sports drink. Methods: Colonic fermentation was determined in 8 normal subjects by measuring breath hydrogen after ingestion of 350 ml sports drink, cow's milk, or green tea with a 200 g rice ball. Results: The incidence of colonic fermentation after ingesting sports drink, milk, and green tea was five (62.5%), six (75%), and none (0%), respectively. Peak increases (ppm) after ingestion of sports drink and milk varied from 0 to 6 (3.1+or-0.9) and 0 to 12 (6.5+or-1.7), respectively. Conclusions: Although the increase of breath hydrogen was not associated with abdominal discomfort and its effect on exercise is still unclear, we suggest avoiding a large ingestion of fructose-containing sports drink before and during exercise.