Relationship between irritable bowel syndrome, psychological comorbidities and the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in a low-income community in a food desert area

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background & aim</h3> Hypersensitivity to fructose-containing foods including those containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contributes to the worsening of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. There is scarcity of healthy food options in food desert areas. This may result in increased HFCS consumption in its residents. Thus there is a critical need to evaluate HFCS consumption of IBS patients, especially in socioeconomically challenged communities. The aim of this study was to explore the extent and origins of HFCS consumption in IBS patients that will help in the management of this disease. <h3>Methods</h3> We carried out a retrospective chart review of 969 IBS patients for demographics and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. We then collected information about dietary HFCS intake from a subset of IBS patients and control subjects using USDA-database-driven-surveys that included 398 HFCS-rich food items. Control subjects lacked history of gastrointestinal symptoms/disorders. <h3>Results</h3> 84% and 78% of IBS patients were female and Caucasian, respectively. 82% IBS patients were >40 years old. All IBS patients had at least one psychological comorbidity: depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD or psychosis; depression (66%) and anxiety (54%) being the most common. Overall HFCS intake was significantly higher in IBS patients compared to control subjects (<i>p</i> > 0.0001), which occurred <i>via</i> beverages, breakfast foods, jams, jellies, syrup, and desserts. Beverages contributed (76%) to the highest HFCS consumption observed in the IBS-diarrhea patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our study is first to show a significantly high consumption of HFCS in IBS patients suffering from socioeconomic challenges and underscores the urgent need for provider-driven patient education regarding dietary interventions. This intervention is pivotal to avoid exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms as well as that of co-existing psychological comorbidities.