Low-FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea?

In a randomized trial, some symptoms improved more with a low-FODMAP diet than with a standard IBS diet.

FODMAPs (fermentable, oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols) are poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates that include fructose, lactose, fructans (found in wheat), galactans, and polyol sweeteners. Some data suggest that FODMAPs can cause or exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); in an Australian study, a low FODMAP diet was superior to a “typical Australian diet” in reducing IBS symptoms (NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 15 2014 and Gastroenterology 2014; 146:67).

In this U.S. trial, 92 patients with IBS and diarrhea (IBS-D) were randomized to follow either a low-FODMAP diet or a standard IBS diet recommended by the U.K.'s National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE). At 4 weeks, patients in the low-FODMAP group were slightly — but…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Low-FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea?

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Reviewing Author