The Influence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Digestive and Extra-Intestinal Disorders.

International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;21(10)
Full text from:

Other resources

Plain language summary

The importance of the gut microbiome in health and disease is a rapidly growing area of research. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which bacteria that typically exists only in the colon becomes concentrated in the small intestine. SIBO has wide-ranging clinical implications and the aim of this study was to review the current research to assess existing links between SIBO and various diseases. Examining the current literature, the authors found SIBO may be involved in several diseases. SIBO was found to be strongly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the link between SIBO and celiac disease has been studied extensively, findings remain inconsistent. Additionally, SIBO was found to be a potential underlying factor in hepatic encephalopathy. Based on these findings, the authors conclude the scientific hypotheses and the clinical findings are not consistent. While it is widely accepted that alterations in the gut microbiota can influence disease, there is not enough clinical evidence to draw conclusions. The authors conclude the evidence is promising but future research is needed.

Abstract

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition hallmarked by an increase in the concentration of colonic-type bacteria in the small bowel. Watery diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and distension are the most common clinical manifestations. Additionally, malnutrition and vitamin (B12, D, A, and E) as well as minerals (iron and calcium) deficiency may be present. SIBO may mask or worsen the history of some diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel disease), may be more common in some extra-intestinal disorders (scleroderma, obesity), or could even represent a pathogenetic link with some diseases, in which a perturbation of intestinal microbiota may be involved. On these bases, we performed a review to explore the multiple links between SIBO and digestive and extra-intestinal diseases.

Lifestyle medicine

Environmental Inputs : Microorganisms
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Nutrition
Functional Laboratory Testing : Not applicable

Methodological quality

Jadad score : Not applicable
Allocation concealment : Not applicable
Publication Type : Journal Article ; Review

Metadata

Nutrition Evidence keywords : SIBO ; IBS ; Coeliac disease ; Hepatic encepholopathy ; Psoriasis