Low-FODMAP Diet Is Associated With Improved Quality of Life in IBS Patients-A Prospective Observational Study

Gut-Brain Axis and Psychopathology: Exploring the Impact of Diet with a Focus on the Low-FODMAP Approach

BACKGROUND

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication network connecting the central nervous system with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, influencing both mental and physical health. Recent research has underscored the significant role of diet in modulating this axis, with attention to how specific dietary patterns can impact anxiety and depression, particularly when linked to disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), like intestinal bowel syndrome (IBS).

AIMS AND METHODS

This narrative review examines the effects of specific diet regimens on the GBA and its potential role in managing psychopathology, focusing on anxiety and depression, IBS, and the low-FODMAP diet. We conducted a search on PubMed and MEDLINE by combining the following key terms: "Gut-Brain Axis", "Irritable Bowel Syndrome", "Low FODMAP diet", "Mediterranean Diet", "Psychopathology", "Anxiety and Depression", and "Gut Microbiota". We applied the following filters: "Clinical Trials", "Randomized Controlled Trials", "Reviews", "Meta-Analyses", and "Systematic Reviews". In total, 59 papers were included.

RESULTS

Low-FODMAP diet, originally developed to alleviate GI symptoms in IBS, may also positively influence mental health by modulating the GBA and improving the gut microbiota (GM) composition. New insights suggest that combining the low-FODMAP diet with the Mediterranean diet could offer a synergistic effect, enhancing both GI and psychological therapeutic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the complex interactions between diet, the GM, and mental health opens new avenues for holistic approaches to managing psychopathology, particularly when linked to GI symptoms.

Unraveling the fatigue puzzle: insights into the pathogenesis and management of IBD-related fatigue including the role of the gut-brain axis

A significant percentage of patients with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encounter fatigue which can profoundly diminish patients' quality of life, particularly during periods of disease remission when gastrointestinal symptoms have receded. Various contributing risk factors have been identified including active inflammation, anemia, psychological, lifestyle and drug-related factors. While addressing these risk factors has been suggested as the initial approach to managing fatigue, a considerable number of patients still experience persisting symptoms, the primary causes of which remain incompletely understood. Recent insights suggest that dysfunction of the gut-brain axis may play a pathogenic role. This review provides an overview of established risk factors for fatigue, alongside emerging perspectives on the role of the gut-brain axis, and potential treatment strategies.

The efficacy and real-world effectiveness of a diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (LFD) has been shown to effectively reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Effects resulting from real-world studies may differ from those seen in efficacy studies because of the diversity of patients in real-world settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of the LFD on reducing IBS symptoms and improving the quality of life (QoL) in efficacy trials and real-world studies.

METHODS

Major databases, trial registries, dissertations, and journals were systematically searched for studies on the LFD in adults with IBS. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model with standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Outcomes of interest were all patient-reported: stool consistency, stool frequency, abdominal pain, overall symptoms, adequate symptom relief, IBS-specific QoL and adherence to the LFD.

RESULTS

Eleven efficacy and 19 real-world studies were reviewed. The meta-analysis results for abdominal pain (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.54) and QoL (SMD 0.23, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.50) showed the LFD was beneficial in efficacy studies with no statistically significant results for stool frequency (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07). Real-world studies found improvements in abdominal pain and QoL. Due to heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was done for stool consistency and overall symptoms. In these outcomes, results were mostly supportive of the LFD, but they were not always statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest the LFD improves outcomes compared to a control diet (efficacy studies) or baseline data (real-world studies). Because of diverse study designs and heterogeneity of results, a clear superiority of the LFD over control diets could not be concluded. There are no indications of an efficacy-effectiveness gap for the LFD in adults with IBS.

Dietary eating patterns, dairy consumption, and anxiety: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Nutrition affects both physical and mental health but evidence is mixed regarding potential associations between anxiety and diet, particularly dairy consumption. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of dairy consumption and/or various dietary patterns and risk of anxiety.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase. All study designs except case reports, small case series, and SLRs were considered for inclusion. Reference lists of previously published SLRs were reviewed for any relevant additional studies. Studies of populations without dairy sensitivities exploring the association between dietary patterns and/or dairy consumption and anxiety published through May 2022 were identified using predefined eligibility criteria. Study quality was determined using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist.

RESULTS

For this SLR, 132 studies were included; 80 were cross-sectional. Studies examined different dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, gluten-free) and anxiety using various anxiety scales, with 19 studies specifically reporting on whole dairy consumption and anxiety. Dairy consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of anxiety in 7 studies, while the remaining 12 studies showed no significant associations. Evidence was mixed for the association between various dietary patterns and anxiety, but more studies observed a lower risk of anxiety with greater adherence to "healthy" diets (e.g., Mediterranean, diet quality score, vegetarian/vegan) than a higher risk. Notable heterogeneity in study populations, time periods, geographical locations, dietary assessment methods, and anxiety scales was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this SLR suggest a potential link between diet including diary consumption and anxiety, but future studies, especially with longitudinal designs that measure diet and anxiety at several timepoints and comprehensively adjust for confounders, are needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and anxiety.

The Long-Term Effects of a Low-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management

Short-term studies indicate that low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diets (LFDs) can improve symptoms for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, long-term (≥6 mo) effectiveness, safety, and sustainability of an LFD are not well understood and remain controversial. The primary purpose of the current review was to consider the published research on the effectiveness, safety, and sustainability of an LFD for patients with IBS. The secondary aim was to develop an infographic for dissemination to outpatient registered dietitian nutritionists and other healthcare professionals who work with patients with IBS. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched through December 2022, using the terms irritable bowel syndrome, FODMAP, and long-term. Following article selection, a total of 14 studies were included. Nine of 9 studies reported significant improvements in symptoms, 7 of 7 studies showed significant improvements in bowel habits, 1 of 1 study showed significantly improved disease course, and 6 of 6 studies showed significantly improved quality of life, compared to baseline. One study showed that improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms was significantly correlated with improvements in quality of life. Two of 3 studies and body composition measures indicated that nutritional adequacy was not compromised. Two of 2 studies showed that gut microbiota did not change, but 1 study showed decreased short-chain fatty acids. Adherence rates ranged from 50% to 82%, and 1 study showed that greater adherence was significantly correlated with improved IBS symptoms. Three of 3 studies showed that better adherence to an LFD was associated with improved symptom relief, and 70%-89% of participants reported satisfaction with the LFD for IBS management. The main difficulties reported were the higher expense and adhering to the diet when eating at restaurants, with family and friends, or while traveling. Overall, a long-term LFD for IBS management can be effective, safe, and sustainable.

The relationship between fermentable carbohydrates and post-prandial bowel symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders

Background and aims

A low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyols (FODMAP) diet alleviates symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We aimed to investigate the relationship between habitual FODMAP intake and post-prandial bowel symptoms in adults with IBS, functional diarrhoea (FD), or constipation (FD) (functional bowel disorders), and in healthy adults (controls).

Methods

292 participants (173 with functional bowel disorders and 119 controls) completed a food and symptom times diary. Estimated meal portion sizes were entered into the Monash FODMAP Calculator to analyse FODMAP content. Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests were used to investigate the relationship between FODMAP intake and post-prandial bowel symptoms.

Results

IBS participants experienced more post-prandial bowel symptoms compared to participants with other functional bowel disorders or controls. Meals associated with abdominal pain contained on average increased excess fructose (0.31 g vs. 0.18 g, p < 0.05), sorbitol (0.27 g vs. 0.10 g, p < 0.01), and total FODMAP (3.46 g vs. 2.96 g, p < 0.05) compared to meals not associated with pain. Abdominal swelling was associated with increased sorbitol (0.33 g vs. 0.11 g, p < 0.01), and total FODMAP (3.26 g vs. 3.02 g, p < 0.05) consumption. Abdominal bloating was associated with increased galacto oligosaccharide consumption (0.18 g vs. 0.14 g, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings support the role of FODMAP in post-prandial bowel symptom onset, however, the amount and type of FODMAP triggering symptoms vary between individuals. Future research should investigate the relationship between the effect of individual FODMAP consumption on post-prandial bowel symptoms for each subtype, the interaction of FODMAP with differing functional bowel disorders and whether longitudinally symptoms and dietary intake are stable.

Symptom management needs of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent anxiety and/or depression: A qualitative study

AIMS

To understand the experiences and needs of symptom management among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

DESIGN

This study used a qualitative descriptive research design.

METHODS

Individuals with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression participated were recruited through an online ResearchMatch and a listserv. Semi-structured interviews focused on symptoms and experiences with symptom management interventions conducted from June to August 2020. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed based on thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve individuals participated in this study; all reported current irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety/depression symptoms. The data analysis cumulated with three themes related to symptom management: (a) irritable bowel syndrome negatively impacts physical and mental well-being; (b) a trial and error approach to symptom management; and (c) challenges with healthcare professionals supporting symptom management including negative interactions with healthcare professionals and lack of nutritional expertize and support.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for individualized approaches which consider patients' current symptoms of anxiety and depression, previous experiences with the trial-and-error process and consideration for intervention delivery methods.

IMPACT

There is a limited qualitative research focusing on the experiences of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. This research highlights the need for individualized approaches to enhance symptom management that acknowledges patients' psychological state and past negative experiences with providers and prior dietary regimens.

Sociocultural Considerations for Food-Related Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing substantially in non-White races and ethnicities in the United States. As a part of promoting quality of life in patients with IBD, the optimization of food-related quality of life (FRQoL) is also indicated. It is known that the practices of food avoidance and restrictive eating are associated with a reduced FRQoL in IBD. Gaining insight into sociocultural influences on FRQoL will aid in the provision of culturally competent interventions to improve FRQoL in patients with IBD.

How to Implement the 3-Phase FODMAP Diet Into Gastroenterological Practice

Background/Aims

The 3-phase fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has shown a high level of efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome, largely based on dietitian delivered education. However, access to dietitians can be limited, and challenges exist when applying the diet to a wide range of cultures, such as limited FODMAP analysis of local foods. This review aims to discuss ways to optimally use the FODMAP diet in practice in a wide range of cultures, directed at gastroenterologists from a dietitian's perspective.

Methods

Recent literature was analysed via search databases including Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus.

Results

The dietetic process involves detailed assessment and follow-up through the 3 stages of the FODMAP diet (restriction, re-introduction, and long-term maintenance). Emerging evidence suggests the diet can be delivered by other health professionals such as the gastroenterologist or nurse, but training on how to do so successfully would be needed. Self-guided approaches through use of technology or specialised food delivery services may be an alternative when dietitians are not available, but efficacy data is limited. Regardless of delivery mode, nutritional and psychological risks of the diet must be mitigated. Additionally, culturally appropriate education must be provided, with accommodations necessary when the FODMAP content of local foods are unknown.

Conclusion

While the diet has shown improved irritable bowel syndrome outcomes across studies, it is important to acknowledge the essential role of dietitians in implementing, tailoring, and managing the diet to achieve the best outcome for each individual.

Patient-Reported Outcome and Experience Measures Administered by Dietitians in the Outpatient Setting: Systematic Review

Understanding how patients perceive their health and the experience with the dietitian is fundamental to providing patient-centred care. The types of patient reported measures (PRMs) used by outpatient dietitians is unclear. Guidance about use of PRMs for dietitians is also lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence regarding the use of PRMs by dietitians in the outpatient setting and evaluate the methodological quality of studies evaluating the psychometric properties of PRMs. Eight databases were searched systematically for studies of dietitians working in the outpatient setting and administering a PRM. Forty-four studies were evaluated and described 58 different PRMs. These included direct nutrition related (n = 12 studies), clinical (n = 21 studies), and health-related quality of life PRMs (n = 24 studies); 1 study documented use of a patient-reported experience measure. A large range of PRMs are used by outpatient dietitians. Of the most common PRMs, the majority are administered in similar populations to the original validation study. Dietitians should use a combination of 3 PRMs: a generic health-related quality of life tool, an experience measure, and at least 1 clinical or direct nutrition-related measure. This will enable dietitians to fully capture the impact of their care on patients.

Group education on the low FODMAP diet improves gastrointestinal symptoms but neither anxiety or depression in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

The low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet is an effective dietitian-led treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An increasing demand of IBS patient referrals has warranted group FODMAP education led by specialist dietitians. Psychological co-morbidities are common in IBS, although how the low FODMAP diet influences psychological outcomes is not understood. The present study aimed to evaluate symptom related outcomes of the diet following group education and assess its effect on psychological profiles.

METHODS

An observational, prospective study was conducted in 55 IBS patients who attended FODMAP Restriction and FODMAP Reintroduction group sessions. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up after FODMAP Restriction and analysed using descriptive and McNemar's tests. Primary outcome was evaluated by IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS). Secondary psychological outcomes included anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and risk of eating disorder questionnaire (SCOFF).

RESULTS

After FODMAP Restriction, 27 of 55 (54%) patients reported clinically relevant symptom improvement, as defined by a reduction in the IBS-SSS ≥50 points, whereas no differences were recorded in the proportion of patients identified with clinical anxiety (p = 1.000) or clinical depression (p = 0.375). Positively, no increased risk of an eating disorder was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides data supporting the efficacy of the low FODMAP diet in IBS patients who attended dietitian led group education settings in tertiary care. Clinically significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms were observed, although with no impact on clinical levels of anxiety, depression or the risk of an eating disorder.

Psychological and Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Undergoing a Low-FODMAP Diet: The Role of the Intestinal Barrier

A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (LFD) improves both gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the psychological profile of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). The effects of 12 weeks of LFD on GI symptom and psychological profiles in relation to inflammation and the involvement of the intestinal barrier were studied in twenty IBS-D patients. The IBS Severity Scoring System, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Italian version of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the IBS-Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire, and the Psychophysiological questionnaire were administered. The GI barrier function was assessed by sugar absorption test, the serum and fecal zonulin levels, and the serum levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein and diamine oxidase. Interleukins (ILs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serum levels were evaluated along with dysbiosis. At the end of LFD, GI symptoms, psychological state (mainly anxiety, somatization, psychoticism, and interpersonal sensitivity), and QoL significantly improved in these patients. Simultaneously, an improvement in small intestinal permeability and intestinal mucosal integrity occurred, while IL-6, Il-10, LPS, and fermentative dysbiosis significantly decreased. The LFD can modify the immune-inflammatory features and enhance intestinal permeability and mucosal integrity, thus determining a concurrent improvement in the clinical and psychological conditions.

Effect of Low FODMAPs Diet on Irritable Bowel Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

We conducted a meta-analysis exploring the effect of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols diet (LFD) on the overall symptoms, quality of life, and stool habits of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects method. The effect size was presented as weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the potential effects of covariates on the outcome. Twenty-two papers were included. The LFD group showed a moderate reduction in symptom severity and a slight improvement in quality of life compared to the control group (SMD, −0.53 and 0.24; 95% CI, −0.68, −0.38 and 0.02, 0.47, respectively). IBS symptom improvement was consistent between subgroups stratified according to proportions of female patients, study durations, IBS subtypes, assessment methods, and control interventions. Three studies regarding stool habits change in IBS-D patients showed a significant decrease in stool frequency (mean differences [MD], −5.56/week; 95% CI, −7.40, −3.72) and a significant improvement in stool consistency (MD, −0.86; 95% CI, −1.52, −0.19) in the LFD group compared to the control group. This is the most updated meta-analysis including studies that adopted diverse control interventions such as dietary interventions, supplementation, habitual diets, and lifestyle changes.

Dietary Practices of Women with Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Endometriosis causes deleterious effects on the lives of sufferers across multiple domains impacting quality of life. Commonly utilized pharmaceutical interventions offer suboptimal efficacy in addition to potentially intolerable side effects for many women. There is some evidence for dietary therapies reducing endometriosis symptoms, but little data on dietary preferences/strategies used, and their impact, in a community setting. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and December 2017 to investigate the self-management strategies employed by women with endometriosis. Participants were aged 18-45 years, living in Australia, and had a surgically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. Results: Four hundred eighty-four responses were included for analysis, with 76% of women reporting the use of general self-management strategies within the last 6 months. Of these, 44% of respondents reported using dietary strategies for symptom management. Reducing or eliminating gluten, reducing or eliminating dairy, and the low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet were the most commonly reported dietary strategies utilized. Respondents reported a 6.4/10 effectiveness score for reduction in pelvic pain with dietary changes, with no difference in pain reduction between the various diets used. Furthermore, women self-reported significant improvements in comorbidities such as gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance (39%), nausea and vomiting (15%), and fatigue (15%). Conclusions: Dietary modifications are a very common self-management strategy employed by people with endometriosis, with the greatest benefit reported on GI symptoms. Reducing or eliminating gluten, dairy, or FODMAPs or a combination of these was the most common strategy. No single diet appeared to provide greater self-reported benefits than others.

Dietary Fibre Intervention for Gut Microbiota, Sleep, and Mental Health in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 4-5% of the global population. This disorder is associated with gut microbiota, diet, sleep, and mental health. This scoping review therefore aims to map existing research that has administrated fibre-related dietary intervention to IBS individuals and reported outcomes on at least two of the three following themes: gut microbiota, sleep, and mental health. Five digital databases were searched to identify and select papers as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Five articles were included in the assessment, where none reported on all three themes or the combination of gut microbiota and sleep. Two studies identified alterations in gut microbiota and mental health with fibre supplementation. The other three studies reported on mental health and sleep outcomes using subjective questionnaires. IBS-related research lacks system biology-type studies targeting gut microbiota, sleep, and mental health in patients undergoing diet intervention. Further IBS research is required to explore how human gut microbiota functions (such as short-chain fatty acids) in sleep and mental health, following the implementation of dietary pattern alteration or component supplementation. Additionally, the application of objective sleep assessments is required in order to detect sleep change with more accuracy and less bias.

A Novel Mobile App (Heali) for Disease Treatment in Participants With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

A diet high in fermentable, oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) has been shown to exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous literature reports significant improvement in IBS symptoms with initiation of a low FODMAP diet (LFD) and monitored reintroduction. However, dietary adherence to the LFD is difficult, with patients stating that the information given by health care providers is often generalized and nonspecific, requiring them to search for supplementary information to fit their needs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine whether Heali, a novel artificial intelligence dietary mobile app can improve adherence to the LFD, IBS symptom severity, and quality of life outcomes in adults with IBS or IBS-like symptoms over a 4-week period.

METHODS

Participants were randomized into 2 groups: the control group (CON), in which participants received educational materials, and the experimental group (APP), in which participants received access to the mobile app and educational materials. Over the course of this unblinded online trial, all participants completed a battery of 5 questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the trial to document IBS symptoms, quality of life, LFD knowledge, and LFD adherence.

RESULTS

We enrolled 58 participants in the study (29 in each group), and 25 participants completed the study in its entirety (11 and 14 for the CON and APP groups, respectively). Final, per-protocol analyses showed greater improvement in quality of life score for the APP group compared to the CON group (31.1 and 11.8, respectively; P=.04). Reduction in total IBS symptom severity score was 24% greater for the APP group versus the CON group. Although this did not achieve significance (-170 vs -138 respectively; P=.37), the reduction in the subscore for bowel habit dissatisfaction was 2-fold greater for the APP group than for the CON group (P=.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This initial study provides preliminary evidence that Heali may provide therapeutic benefit to its users, specifically improvements in quality of life and bowel habits. Although this study was underpowered, findings from this study warrant further research in a larger sample of participants to test the efficacy of Heali app use to improve outcomes for patients with IBS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04256551; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04256551.

Treatment efficacy of a low FODMAP diet compared to a low lactose diet in IBS patients: A randomized, cross-over designed study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A low FODMAP diet (LFD) has become a standard treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Compliant adherence to a LFD is challenging. We investigated the effect of a LFD compared to a less restrictive low lactose diet (LLD) in a randomized cross-over trial with IBS patients.

METHODS

Twenty-nine IBS patients were randomly assigned to two groups. After a run-in phase of 14 days, patients received 21 days of either a LFD or LLD. This intervention was followed by a washout period of 21 days before crossing over to the alternate diet. Dietician led diet instruction was given continuously. An IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) was filled in at the end of each study period. To enhance study adherence, daily symptoms were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

IBS patients, irrespective of lactase deficiency, had a significantly reduced IBS-SSS score after both diets (LFD p = 0.002, LLD p = 0.007) without significant difference. On both diets, patients reported that IBS had less impact on their daily life compared to the time before the study (p < 0.01). On daily assessment, IBS patients on LFD reported significantly less abdominal pain (median VAS difference to baseline -0.8 (-2.8 to 2.7, p = 0.03) and less bloating (-0.5 (-4.1 to 3.4, p = 0.02) than patients on the LLD.

CONCLUSION

Both diets improved the overall IBS severity significantly and patients' preference of the two diets was similar. LFD but not LLD effectively reduced pain and bloating in patients with IBS.

A Low FODMAP Diet Is Nutritionally Adequate and Therapeutically Efficacious in Community Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Diarrhoea

The low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP)diet has been extensively researched, but not in the management of older adults with functional gastrointestinal symptoms. This study determines the positive and negative impacts of this dietary treatment in older adults with chronic diarrhea. A non-blinded intervention study was conducted with adults over 65 years with chronic diarrhea referred for colonoscopy where no cause was found. Participants followed a dietitian-led low FODMAP diet for six weeks and completed a structured assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, and a four-day food diary before and after the intervention. Twenty participants, mean age 76 years, were recruited. Adherence to the low FODMAP diet was acceptable; mean daily FODMAP intake reduced from 20.82 g to 3.75 g (p < 0.001) during the intervention and no clinically significant changes in macro- or micronutrient intakes were observed. There were clinically significant improvements in total gastrointestinal symptoms (pre diet 21.15/88 (standard deviation SD = 10.99), post diet 9.8/88 (SD = 9.58), p < 0.001) including diarrhea (pre diet 9.85 (SD = 3.84), post diet 4.05 (SD = 3.86), p < 0.001) and significant reductions in anxiety (pre diet 6.11/21 (SD = 4.31), post diet 4.26/21 (SD = 3.38), p < 0.05). In older adults the low FODMAP diet is clinically effective and does not jeopardise nutritional intake when supervised by an experienced dietitian.

Adherence and Effects Derived from FODMAP Diet on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real Life Evaluation of a Large Follow-Up Observation

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome represents one of the most difficult gastroenterological diseases to treat, that usually induces the patients to follow different drug therapies, often not useful in symptom control. In this scenario low FODMAP diet could have positive effects in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, even because this type of diet regimen is characterized by a low gluten amount due to the exclusion of cereals. Methods: We enrolled 120 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Rome IV criteria, who were referred to Hepatogastroenterology Division of the University of Campania L. Vanvitelli from June to December 2018. They underwent a low FODMAP diet for six weeks, followed by a gradual weekly reintroduction of every category of food for three months. The patients had a follow-up evaluation for six months after the end of food reintroduction period. We measured abdominal pain with subjective numerical scale from 0 to 10. We evaluated other gastrointestinal symptoms with a questionnaire about symptoms of lower digestive tract, evaluating their frequency and intensity. We also evaluated the impact of irritable bowel syndrome on daily life with neurological bowel dysfunction score. Results: We obtained a good patient-adherence to diet and a statistically significant decrease of abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and neurological bowel dysfunction score (p < 0.001) at the end of the diet. These results remained constant in the follow-up period. Conclusions: We recommend the use of a low FODMAP diet regimen in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in order to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life.