Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: The Efficacy of a Low FODMAP Diet for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Anne-Sophie van Lanen, Angelika de Bree, Arno Greyling
Published in European Journal of Nutrition
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials comparing a low-FODMAP diet with control diets in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), assessing effects on global symptoms, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Methodology
Pooled data from multiple RCTs comparing low-FODMAP diets to habitual diet, standard dietary advice, or high-FODMAP diets using validated symptom scoring (e.g., IBS-SSS).
Key Findings
Low-FODMAP diet significantly reduced overall IBS symptom scores, abdominal pain, and bloating compared with control diets (relative risk of symptom improvement approximately 1.5).
Conclusions
A low-FODMAP diet is more effective than control diets for global symptom improvement in adult IBS patients, though evidence quality varies across included trials.
Limitations
Heterogeneity in study design, blinding difficulties inherent to dietary interventions, variable control diets, and mostly short-term follow-up.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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