Low Quality and Readability of Internet Dietary Information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses, and diet plays an important role in its management. Patients often use the Internet as a primary source for health information, including dietary advice. However, previous studies show significant variation in the quality of websites focused on inflammatory bowel disease (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009; 15:1891) and colorectal cancer screening (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:79).

Using validated instruments for assessing website quality and readability, researchers surveyed websites specialized in dietary recommendations in IBS. They found low reliability, information quality, and overall quality for 24 pediatric IBS websites and moderate reliability and overal…