Efficacy of a Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Christopher J. Black, Heidi M. Staudacher, Alexander C. Ford
Published in Gut
Abstract
A network meta-analysis comparing low-FODMAP diet, other dietary interventions, and pharmacological therapies (including antispasmodics and gut-brain neuromodulators) for global symptoms and abdominal pain in IBS.
Methodology
Searched multiple databases for RCTs of dietary and pharmacological therapies for IBS; performed pairwise and network meta-analyses ranking interventions by efficacy.
Key Findings
Low-FODMAP diet was among the most effective interventions studied for improving global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain compared with habitual diet and several pharmacologic comparators.
Conclusions
Low-FODMAP diet has robust evidence supporting efficacy for IBS symptom control relative to many alternative treatments, though comparative certainty of evidence for some outcomes was low.
Limitations
Indirect comparisons in network meta-analysis, variable trial quality, lack of long-term dietary adherence data, and difficulty blinding dietary interventions.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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