Lactose Restriction and Lactose-free Dairy Products in Athletes with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Exercise-associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Implications for Performance, Hydration, and Recovery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.71.75146Keywords
athletes, lactose intolerance, lactose-free diet, IBS, exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms, sports nutrition, hydration, recoveryAbstract
Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common among athletes, particularly in endurance sports. Lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms may overlap, making dietary management challenging.
Aim of study: The aim of this review was to assess the role of lactose restriction and lactose-free dairy products in athletes with IBS or exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
Methodology: The review included studies published in the last 10 years and indexed in the PubMed database. The analysis covered publications on athletes, IBS, lactose intolerance, lactose malabsorption, lactose-free dietary strategies, hydration, recovery, and sports nutrition.
Results: Lactose restriction may improve gastrointestinal tolerance in selected athletes, particularly those with confirmed lactose intolerance or lactose-related symptoms. Lactose-free dairy products may help maintain adequate nutrient intake and may support hydration and recovery. However, routine lactose elimination is not supported in all athletes with gastrointestinal complaints.
Conclusions: Lactose restriction may be useful in selected athletes but should remain individualized. Unnecessary long-term dairy restriction should be avoided.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Andrzej Zuzak, Joanna Mioduszewska , Zofia Roguska, Aleksandra Sim, Paweł Rot, Piotr Poniewozik, Paweł Poniewozik , Krzysztof Grabowski , Maja Pernal, Natalia Dziuba
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