The Impact of a Short-Term Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet on Biomarkers of Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Published in: International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism 2023-11, Vol.33 (6), p.1-315
• Main Authors: McKay, Alannah K A, Wallett, Alice M, McKune, Andrew J, Périard, Julien D, Saunders, Philo, Whitfield, Jamie, Tee, Nicolin, Heikura, Ida A, Ross, Megan L R, Sharma, Avish P, Costa, Ricardo J S, Burke, Louise M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1526-484X; 1543-2742
• DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0009

Endurance exercise can disturb intestinal epithelial integrity, leading to increased systemic indicators of cell injury, hyperpermeability, and pathogenic translocation. However, the interaction between exercise, diet, and gastrointestinal disturbance still warrants exploration. This study examined whether a 6-day dietary intervention influenced perturbations to intestinal epithelial disruption in response to a 25-km race walk. Twenty-eight male race walkers adhered to a high carbohydrate (CHO)/energy diet (65% CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1) for 6 days prior to a Baseline 25-km race walk. Athletes were then split into three subgroups: high CHO/energy diet (n = 10); low-CHO, high-fat diet (LCHF: n = 8; .05). A short-term LCHF diet increased intestinal epithelial cell injury in response to a 25-km race walk. No effect of low energy availability on gastrointestinal injury or symptoms was observed.