What Do Gases in the Large Intestine Have to Do with Health?

Abstract

A healthy human gastrointestinal tract contains approximately 200 ml of gas, with an average daily elimination of 600 ml. Sources of intestinal gases include swallowing air and products of intestinal fermentation, primarily in the large intestine. The gases consist of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane, with carbon dioxide and hydrogen being the most abundant. The gut-brain axis, regulated by the nervous system and gut microbiota, influences intestinal motility, hormone secretion, and metabolic processes. Gut microorganisms produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a significant role in regulating energy homeostasis and enteroendocrine hormone secretion.

Disruptions in gut microbiota, such as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lead to changes in gas production, discomfort, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis of these conditions relies on breath tests and ruling out other pathologies. Additionally, carbohydrate intolerances, such as fructose or lactose intolerance, result in excessive gas production and malabsorption issues. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, causes damage to intestinal villi, impairing digestion and absorption. A comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating these conditions, including dietary modifications and microbiological interventions, plays a crucial role in improving patients' quality of life.