The popularity of gluten-free diets (GFDs) among nonceliac athletes is growing, despite limited evidence of performance or health benefits. This study investigated the impact of a short-term GFD on endurance performance, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, well-being, intestinal injury, and inflammatory markers in 13 nonceliac endurance cyclists.
Key Points:
- Time trial performance was not significantly different between the gluten-containing diet (GCD) and GFD (245.4 ± 53.4 kJ vs. 245.0 ± 54.6 kJ, P = 0.37).
- GI symptoms, daily well-being, and DALDA responses were similar across diets.
- No significant differences were observed in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) levels or inflammatory cytokine markers between diets.
A short-term GFD had no overall effect on performance, GI symptoms, well-being, and a select indicator of intestinal injury or inflammatory markers in nonceliac endurance athletes, suggesting limited benefit for this population.
