Food elimination based on immunoglobulin G antibodies improves gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms and sport performance in professional athletes

BACKGROUND: Intensive and frequent physical activity causes increase of the gastrointestinal (GI) barrier permeability leading to food intolerance. The aim was to examine the impact of 3-month elimination diet on specific IgG antibodies level, GI discomfort intensity, body composition and sports performance of the athletes. METHODS: 22 professional athletes participated in this longitudinal study: 12 males (mean age 25±7 years) and 10 females (mean age 25±4 years), were on a 3-month elimination diet based on the results of specific IgG food intolerance blood test. The Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaires, specific IgG food intolerance blood test, basic medical examination and cardiopulmonary testing were assessed prior to and after the study. RESULTS: AQUA scores were significantly lowered (P=0.0009). There was a trend to a significant reduction in total GSRS score (P=0.05) and a significant reduction of indigestion syndrome score (P=0.01). The level of the specific IgG antibodies was significantly decreased for all athletes and all foods they were intolerant to. Fat percent (FAT%) of the athletes decreased significantly (P=0.0008) without change in weight (P=0.06). Heart rate (HR) at the second (P=0.02) and the third (P=0.006) minute recovery phase was significantly lower. The flexibility of athletes significantly increased (P=0.001). The most important result is a significant reduction of the self-assessed indigestion syndrome. The decrease of the IgG antibody level points out that 3-month elimination diet decreased chronic inflammation of GI tract. The diet had a significant influence on athletes’ body composition and it is indirect improvement of their sports performance. Reduction of the HR at the second and the third minute recovery phase is a direct improvement of sports performance. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination diet based on IgG food intolerance leads to a significant improvement of GI discomfort symptoms and sports performance.