Diet Low in FODMAPs Reduces Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome as Well as Traditional Dietary Advice: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In this RCT (n=75) a diet low in fermentable short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) or routine dietary advice for this condition (e.g. regular meal pattern, avoidance of large meals) both reduced the severity of IBS symptoms.

At the end of the 4 week trial 50% of patients in the low FODMAP group and 46% of patients in the standard dietary advice group had reductions in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) severity scores.

 

The NICE Clinical Guideline for Irritable Bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management advises that if a person’s IBS symptoms persist while following general lifestyle and dietary advice, further dietary management advice e.g. low FODMAP diet can be offered by a healthcare professional with expertise in dietary management.