Association Between Overweight and Obesity and the Occurrence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) in Children and Adolescents Referred for Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study with Analysis of Patients’ Demographic Characteristics

Background/Objectives: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is considered an important cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and nutrient malabsorption in children. SIBO has traditionally been associated with undernutrition and malabsorption syndromes. Yet, growing evidence suggests its possible relationship with overweight, obesity, and metabolic disturbances. The influence of demographic factors, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal symptoms on the occurrence of SIBO in pediatric populations is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SIBO in children and adolescents referred for gastrointestinal symptoms, and its association with demographic characteristics, nutritional status, carbohydrate malabsorption, and gastrointestinal symptoms.