New Evidence in Favour of a Low-FODMAP Diet

June 2, 2016 , ,

New scientific evidence has been recently published (May 24th, 2016) concerning the Low-FODMAP* Diet effectiveness for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

This study was presented during DDW2016 (Digestive Disease Week) in San Diego California. The abstract was recognized as a «Noteworthy AGA (American Gastroenterologist Association) Clinical Abstract» – In a nutshell, FODMAP is newsworthy and the medical community was waiting for those results.

Key Findings

Here are the key findings presented in the abstract:

  • This is the first study of its kind (randomized controlled trial) that followed that many patients (83 people completed the whole study).
  • After 4 weeks, more than 60% of patients who were in the Low-FODMAP Diet group saw their quality of life and quality of sleep increased, as well as a decrease in their symptoms, compared to baseline. For patients in the control group (patients who didn’t follow the Low-FODMAP Diet), only 27% saw improvements.
  • It is one of the first studies conducted in the United States. This leads one to think that both the Low-FODMAP and the control diet are more similar to a typical Canadian diet than a typical Australian diet, where most FODMAP-related studies were conducted until now.

Low FODMAP meal plans with SOSCuisine

Warnings

As with most studies, certain caveats have to be mentioned. In this particular case, the study was conducted over a 4 week period only, hence, it is therefore not possible to conclude about the long-term effects of the Low-FODMAP Diet. Indeed, understanding the long-term effect on both the management of symptoms and microbiota (intestinal flora) is as important as managing symptoms and short-term quality of life.

Also, the majority of studies so far have proven the effectiveness of the Low-FODMAP Diet to reduce symptoms for people who suffer from IBS with a predominance of diarrhea (IBS-D). More studies are needed to find out if a Low-FODMAP Diet would be just as beneficial for people with IBS-C (IBS with a predominance of constipation) or even people with a mix of both diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M).

Effectiveness Confirmed

In an interview, the principal researcher, Shanti Eswaran, said that “Low-FODMAP is not a new treatment, but we are now convinced that it really works.”1

The recommendations are to follow a Low-FODMAP Diet for the necessary period only (elimination and food-challenge phases). Tolerated FODMAPs must be reintroduced as soon as possible, with the help of a registered dietitian.

*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.

References:

  1. Shantell M. Kirkendoll pour University of Michigan Health Lab’s Lab Blog. (may 24th, 2016). Clinical Trial Demonstrates Success of Low FODMAP Diet. Retrieved from http://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-report/clinical-trial-demonstrates-success-of-low-fodmap-diet
  2. Shanti L. Eswaran, et al. 821 A Low FODMAP Diet Improves Quality of Life, Reduces Activity Impairment, and Improves Sleep Quality in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diarrhea: Results From a U.S. Randomized, Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology, 2016; 150 (4): S172 DOI:10.1016/S0016-5085(16)30665-5

Author

Jef L'Ecuyer
Member of the Quebec College of Dietitians (ODNQ) and Dietitians of Canada,Jef graduated from McGill University in December 2014. Recently graduated and passionate about culinary arts, Jef poses a simple, effective and practical look at daily meal planning. With this in mind, she works in conjunction with the mission of SOSCuisine...

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