Low FODMAP diet significantly improves IBS symptoms: an Irish retrospective cohort study

• Published in: European journal of nutrition 2020-08, Vol.59 (5), p.2237-2248
• Main Authors: Nawawi, Khairul Najmi Muhammad, Belov, Mary, Goulding, Carol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cohort analysis; Diet; Disaccharides; Food; Intestine; Irritable bowel syndrome; Monosaccharides; Nutrient deficiency; Nutrition; Oligosaccharides; Original Contribution; Pain; Polyols; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1436-6207; 1436-6215
• DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-02074-6

Introduction There is growing evidence that a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the effects of this diet in Irish IBS cohort over a 12-month follow-up period, including after re-introduction of the high FODMAP foods. Methods All the tertiary referrals seen by an FODMAP-trained dietician were reviewed (2013–2016). Patients were evaluated for IBS symptoms by a questionnaire (four-point Likert scale). Subsequently, advice regarding the low FODMAP diet was given. Symptoms’ response was assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, by use of the same questionnaire. Re-introduction of high FODMAP foods was aimed to commence at the subsequent follow-up. Results A total of 164 patients were identified. Thirty-seven patients were excluded due to failure to attend for follow-up. Hundred and twenty-seven patients (77% patients, of which 85% were female) completed the initial 3-month follow-up. Forty-five percent (74/164) and twenty-five percent (41/164) of the patients had continued follow-up at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Of the 127 patients who returned for follow-up, their commonest baseline symptoms were lethargy (92%), bloating (91%), flatulence (91%), and abdominal pain (89%). All symptoms were significantly improved at the initial follow-up ( p