Can SIBO cause anemia?

The short answer is, “Yes.”

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a type of dysbiosis. When those helpful bacteria that normally live down in the large intestine relocate up into the small intestine, they start eating OUR FOOD. Normally, WE absorb our iron in the small intestine before it could reach that bacteria. But if the bacteria are higher up where they should be, they get a buffet of nutrients to gorge themselves on… and they LOVE iron. Most people with SIBO will have other symptoms that are similar to IBS (nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn, and rosacea. (8, 9) The solution is to address the SIBO. SIBO can be the result of food poisoning, use of proton pump inhibitors, connective tissue disorders, poor gall bladder function, and poor digestion in general. Stress is a common cause too, as stress impairs all parts of our digestion. Often, SIBO can be corrected with some combination of antimicrobial herbs, antibiotic drugs, digestive support, and prokinetics. You can test for it by assessing signs and symptoms or using a breath test like Trio Smart Breath Test and having a provider help you interpret it and create a protocol specific to your needs.