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Int J Sports Med 1991; 12(6): 533-536
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024729
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Fecal Bile Acid Concentration in Distance Runners

W. H. F. Sutherland, E. R. Nye, D. J. Macfarlane, M. C. Robertson, S. A. Williamson
  • Departments of Medicine and Physical Education, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
This study was supported by the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Fecal bile acid concentration, fecal characteristics, bowel habits and habitual food intake were measured in male distance runners (n = 14) and sedentary men (n=14). Fecal bile acid concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and stool weight, frequency of defecation and daily intake of fibre, carbohydrate, and protein were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the runners. After adjustment for differences in dietary fibre intake, fecal bile acid concentration was no longer significantly different between the distance runners and the sedentary men, but frequency of defecation remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the runners. This study has identified lower fecal bile acid concentration in distance runners, which was probably due mainly to dilution of colon contents by higher consumption of dietary fibre. These findings may be relevant to the reduced incidence of colon cancer in physically active subjects.

Key words

Runners - fecal bile acids - diet