A recent study investigated the effectiveness of three different treatments for IBS and found that dietary adjustments, particularly FODMAP and low-carbohydrate diet adjustments, were effective in reducing symptoms compared to drug therapy. proved to be effective.
For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diet therapy is more effective than drug therapy. These are the results of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. Dietary adjustments significantly reduced symptoms in more than 7 out of 10 patients.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis that causes abdominal pain, gas bloating, diarrhea, and constipation in various combinations and with varying degrees of severity.
Treatment often consists of dietary instructions, such as eating small, frequent meals and avoiding excessive intake of foods such as coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Patients may also be given drugs to improve certain symptoms, such as gas, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Antidepressants may be used to improve IBS symptoms.
The current research is lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology compared three treatments: two based on diet and one based on drug use. Participants were adult patients with severe or moderate IBS symptoms admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg.
Further symptom relief after dietary adjustment
The first group was given traditional IBS dietary advice, focusing on eating behavior combined with low intake of fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. These include, for example, products containing lactose, legumes, onions, and grains, which can ferment in the colon and cause pain in IBS.
The second group received a diet low in carbohydrates and proportionately high in protein and fat. The third group received the best possible medication based on the patient’s most bothersome IBS symptoms.
Each group included approximately 100 participants, and the treatment period lasted 4 weeks. When the researchers then looked at how well participants responded to treatment using an established IBS symptom scoring scale, the results were clear.
Sanna Nybacka, Stine Störsrud and Magnus Simrén from Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg; Credits: Photo by Margareta G. Kubista), Malin Arnesson, Johan Wingborg
Among those who received traditional IBS dietary guidance and low FODMAP content, 76% experienced significant symptom relief. The rate was 71% for those on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet, and 58% for those on medication.
All groups reported significantly improved quality of life, fewer physical symptoms, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The importance of personalization
At the 6-month follow-up, when participants in the diet group partially returned to their previous eating habits, the majority still had clinically significant symptom relief. It was 68% in the traditional diet and low FODMAP group, and 60% in the low carbohydrate diet group.
The study was led by researcher and nutritionist Sanna Niebacka, associate professor Stein Struthrud, and professor and senior consultant Magnus Simlen from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.
“This study shows that although diet plays a central role in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, there are some effective alternative treatments,” says Sanna Nybacka.
“More knowledge is needed about how to best individualize treatment for IBS in the future, and further investigation into whether there are specific factors that can predict whether an individual will respond better to different treatment options. “It’s planned,” she concludes.
Reference: “Low FODMAP diet versus traditional dietary advice versus low carbohydrate diet and drug treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (CARBIS): a single-centre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial” Sanna Nybacka, Hans Törnblom, Axel Josefsson Authors, Johan P. Rijnsson, Lena Behn, Øsa Vrändemark, Cecilia Wesnaver, Stein Struthrud, Magnus Simlen, April 18, 2024. Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00045-1
