Objective: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a syndrome characterized by excessive bacterial proliferation in the small intestine that causes clinical symptoms. In SIBO, the excessive growth of microorganisms alters the intestinal environment, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and may also lead to more severe manifestations, including steatorrhea, anemia, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies. However, its pathogenesis has not yet been clearly elucidated. A representative treatment approach involves the use of non-absorbable antibiotics to improve symptoms. However, complete resolution of symptoms is difficult to achieve with this treatment alone. Accordingly, adjunctive therapies aimed at maintaining symptom relief, preventing recurrence, and further improving symptoms have recently attracted attention.
Case Report: This case describes a Korean male patient who developed symptoms of SIBO after undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Following surgery, the patient experienced persistent diarrhea and remained underweight, which caused him considerable stress. Ortho-Cellular Nutrition Therapy (OCNT) using polyphenols and organic acids was therefore applied. Following OCNT, his diarrhea improved, his body weight increased, and his overall complexion also improved.
Conclusion: Although this case involved only a single patient, limiting the applicability of the same OCNT approach to all patients with SIBO, the observed improvements in symptoms and quality of life following the provision of appropriate nutrients were considered meaningful.