Abstract
Purpose of review:
The low FODMAP diet is widely used in the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this review is to summarise recent evidence regarding the use of the low FODMAP diet in IBS and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders from recent clinical trials and meta-analyses.
Recent findings:
Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses support the use of low FODMAP restriction for global symptoms in IBS in the short term. Uncontrolled follow-up studies show that at least 50% of individuals experience symptom relief following restriction, reintroduction and personalisation in the long term. Although evidence from comparative trials in IBS suggests potential benefit of less burdensome approaches (e.g. standard IBS diet, low lactose diet) many studies are insufficiently powered. One established mechanism is colonic gas production that may induce pain signalling measurable in the brain, however altered GI epithelial integrity and shifts in microbiome composition and function may also be involved.
Summary:
Quality trials of the low FODMAP diet are emerging and have been transformational in supporting the widespread application to IBS management in some areas (e.g. short-term effectiveness), whereas other areas still require considerable improvements in research evidence (e.g. long-term effectiveness, mechanisms, educational delivery).
The low FODMAP diet is widely used in the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this review is to summarise recent evidence regarding the use of the low FODMAP diet in IBS and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders from recent clinical trials and meta-analyses.
Recent findings:
Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses support the use of low FODMAP restriction for global symptoms in IBS in the short term. Uncontrolled follow-up studies show that at least 50% of individuals experience symptom relief following restriction, reintroduction and personalisation in the long term. Although evidence from comparative trials in IBS suggests potential benefit of less burdensome approaches (e.g. standard IBS diet, low lactose diet) many studies are insufficiently powered. One established mechanism is colonic gas production that may induce pain signalling measurable in the brain, however altered GI epithelial integrity and shifts in microbiome composition and function may also be involved.
Summary:
Quality trials of the low FODMAP diet are emerging and have been transformational in supporting the widespread application to IBS management in some areas (e.g. short-term effectiveness), whereas other areas still require considerable improvements in research evidence (e.g. long-term effectiveness, mechanisms, educational delivery).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 13 Jun 2022 |