Low Fermentable Oligo Research Articles

Predicting response to the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: Current evidence and clinical considerations.

The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet is an effective dietary intervention for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet up to 50% of patients fail to re-spond adequately. Identifying reliable predictors of response could optimize treatment selection and improve treatment outcomes while avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions. This narrative review examines current evidence for predictors of response to the low FODMAP diet and highlights gaps in knowledge that must be addressed to develop clinically useful indicators for routine practice. We re-viewed the literature on the low FODMAP diet, and studies investigating factors that may predict treatment response, including clinical, diagnostic, biological, biochemical, and microbial markers. Several po-tential predictors to the low FODMAP diet have emerged, including baseline symptom severity, psychological factors (particularly depression), hydrogen breath test results, volatile organic compounds in fecal samples, and specific gut microbiota profiles. Clinical and psychological measures show the most immediate potential for implementation due to accessibility and established measurement tools. Biological markers, including breath testing, metabolomics, and microbiome analysis, show promise but require further validation in larger, diverse populations and standardization of methodologies. Despite promising research, signifi-cant gaps remain in developing reliable, accessible predictors of response to the low FODMAP diet. Future research should focus on validating simple clinical tools that combine symptom profiles with psychological assessment to guide treatment decisions. A personalized approach to dietary management of IBS based on reliable response predictors would optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing unnecessary dietary restriction and healthcare resource utilization.

Clinical Trial: Effect of a 28-Day Low FODMAP Diet on Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated With Endometriosis (EndoFOD)-A Randomised, Controlled Crossover Feeding Study.

Gastrointestinal symptoms affect most women with endometriosis, but therapeutic interventions are poorly defined. To compare the effects of a 28-day low fermentable oligo-, di- and mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) or control diet on gastrointestinal symptom severity in individuals with endometriosis and poorly controlled gastrointestinal symptoms. In this single-blinded randomised, controlled cross-over feeding trial, we randomised women aged ≥ 18 years to 28 days of either a low FODMAP (< 5 g/day FODMAPs) or control diet (20 g/day FODMAPs), both modelled on Australian Dietary Guidelines, before a ≥ 28-day washout and crossover to the alternate diet. The primary outcome was the proportion of responders defined according to the response in overall gastrointestinal symptoms on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life and psychological status. Of 35 women randomised (mean age 31; 95% confidence interval 29, 33 years), 21 (60%) responded to the low FODMAP diet compared with 9 (26%) to the control diet (p = 0.008). In the 4th week of the dietary intervention, overall symptom scores were 35 (21, 42) mm on the low FODMAP diet and 58 (55, 65) mm on the control diet (p < 0.001). Abdominal pain, bloating, stool form and quality of life for both gastrointestinal and endometriosis-associated scales were significantly better for the low FODMAP diet compared with the control diet, but not overall for perceived stress, anxiety or depression. The low FODMAP diet ameliorates gastrointestinal symptoms related to endometriosis and improves quality of life. Confirmation of these findings in a real-world setting is required. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000153819).

Practices and Barriers in Implementing the Low FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Malaysian Dietitians: A Qualitative Study.

The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet (LFD) is a second-line dietary intervention for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, involving FODMAP restriction, reintroduction, and personalization, and it needs to be delivered by dietitians. However, the application of this diet among Malaysian IBS patients is not well understood. This study aimed to explore the practices and barriers in delivering the LFD among Malaysia dietitians. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted online with practicing dietitians until the data reached saturation. All the interview sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Eleven dietitians were interviewed, with 36.4% (n = 4) having more than 10 years of experience. The following four themes regarding their practices emerged: 1. dietary advice on FODMAP restriction; 2. duration of FODMAP restriction phase; 3. references used to get information about FODMAPs, and 4. strategies on reintroduction. Meanwhile, the following seven barriers were identified: 1. lack of culturally relevant educational materials; 2. limited knowledge about the LFD; 3. inadequate formal training among dietitians; 4. lack of integration in multi-disciplinary care; 5. low health literacy of patients; 6. low compliance rate among patients, and 7. restrictions for certain populations. LFD implementation in Malaysia is not standardized as only experienced dietitians can provide dietary evidence-based advice. Lack of training and culturally specific resources are some of the main barriers that were identified to be limiting the implementation of the diet. Therefore, there is a need for training programs and resource development to support Malaysian dietitians in managing IBS patients.

Impact of HADS Anxiety and Depression Scores on the Efficacy of Dietary Interventions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Anxiety and depression are associated strongly with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dietary therapies are used increasingly in the management of IBS, but the impact of common mental disorders on response to these has not been well studied. To examine whether symptoms compatible with common mental disorders influence response to dietary interventions. Prospective cohort study of adults, with either diarrhoea-predominant or mixed bowel habits, IBS Severity Scoring System [IBS-SSS] score ≥ 75 points. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression score (HADS) and attended initially for British Dietary Association advice for IBS. IBS-SSS was re-checked 3 months later to assess response. If primary endpoint (≥ 50 point decrease in IBS-SSS) was not achieved, patients were offered low fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyol diet and repeated IBS-SSS after another 3 months. Secondary endpoints included of change in IBS-SSS and effect of symptom severity on response. In total, 448 patients took part, average age of 42 years and 79.0% were female. 69.9% of participants had HADS-A scores ≥ 8 and 39.3% with HADS-D scores ≥ 8. Average IBS-SSS score at baseline was 290 (SD 86). No significant difference was noted in achievement of the primary endpoint according to HADS-A scores (53.4% vs. 62.2% by ITT in those with HADS-A ≥ 8 vs. HADS-A < 8, p = 0.09). Patients with HADS-D ≥ 8 were significantly less likely to achieve the primary endpoint compared with those with HADS-D < 8 (43.8% vs. 64.0% by ITT, p < 0.01). Understanding psychological profile of patients can help predicting their response to IBS dietary interventions.

Orange Cookies with Type-4 Resistant Starch: Physical, Nutritional, and Sensorial Characteristics as Evaluated by Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A low-fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharide and polyol (low-FODMAP) diet for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should include an adequate fiber source. Our aim was to formulate orange cookies using maize flour and type-4 resistant starch (RS4) from maize and to evaluate their properties and sensorial attributes by IBS patients. We prepared two formulations: 37.7% RS4 and 14.7% maize flour and a control with normal maize starch (MS) instead of RS4. We added orange juice and zest instead of water and evaluated their properties. The viscosity, water absorption capacity, and solubility were lower for RS4 than for MS. The width, thickness, L* and a* values of both cookies were comparable (p &gt; 0.05), although RS4-C had a decreased b* value and higher hardness (90.6 vs. 80.1 N). The nutrient content was similar between RS4-C and MS-C, but the glycemic index of RS4-C was 63 compared to 95 of MS-C. According to IBS patients, the appearance, taste, hardness, overall quality, and perception of healthiness and nutritional value of both types of cookies were similarly high (p &gt; 0.05). Panelists recommend the cookies. Therefore, RS4 cookies could be further investigated for their ability to improve bowel habits and re-equilibrate the microbiota of IBS patients.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Lectureship Dubai 2022 : Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea (IBS-D) affects ~1% of the general population and is characterized by abdominal pain associated with diarrhea. IBS-D symptoms significantly impact the quality of life of patients. Major uncertainties remain regarding the optimal management of these patients. Several therapies have been investigated over the years for the treatment of IBS-D. In the initial management, commonly prescribed approaches with an effect on global IBS symptoms include a low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-Saccharides and Polyols diet and probiotics, while antispasmodics are used for targeting abdominal pain and loperamide for diarrhea only. Additional therapeutic options for the relief of global IBS symptoms include rifaximin, 5-HT 3 antagonists, gut-directed psychological therapies, and eluxadoline, while tricyclic antidepressants can target abdominal pain and bile acid sequestrants diarrhea. Promising evidence exists for the use of mesalazine and fecal microbiota transplantation in IBS-D, although further evidence is needed for definitive conclusions regarding their efficacy.

Efficacy and Findings of a Blinded Randomized Reintroduction Phase for the Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Efficacy and Findings of a Blinded Randomized Reintroduction Phase for the Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Role of Intestinal Barrier Function in Overweight Patients with IBS with Diarrhea Undergoing a Long-Term Low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Monosaccharide and Polyol Diet

Overweight and obesity have been suggested as significant factors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) development. However, the relationship between overweight/obesity and IBS is unclear. It is known that a modified intestinal barrier, especially the permeability of the small intestine (s-IP), can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both obesity and IBS. Moreover, dietary interventions are essential for treating both pathologies. We evaluated the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the urinary and circulating markers of GI barrier function and integrity, the markers of intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, in 40 IBS patients with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) (32 females and 8 males; mean age = 43.5 ± 1.4 years), categorized using their Body Mass Index levels as normal (NW) and overweight (OW). Evaluations were performed before and after 12 weeks of a Low FODMAP Diet (LFD). At the baseline, OW patients showed a significantly higher s-IP than NW. After an LFD, a significant improvement of s-IP in OW patients occurred, along with a significant decrease in markers of epithelial integrity and bacterial translocation. Our findings highlight the close relationship between overweight and the intestinal barrier and support their involvement in IBS-D pathophysiology. Furthermore, the positive role of an LFD in managing overweight IBS-D was highlighted.

Spot Hydrogen Breath Test for Predicting Response to Low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols Dietary Advice in Patients With Bloating.

An increase in postprandial intestinal gas plays a role in bloating symptoms. We aim to study the utility of spot breath hydrogen (H2) level in predicting the response to a low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) diet. Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed by Rome IV criteria with bothersome bloating for > 6 months were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed 7-day food diaries and collected a breath sample 2 hours after their usual lunch at baseline and 4 weeks after low FODMAPs dietary advice by a dietitian. The responder was defined as an improvement of ≥ 30% bloating scores in the fourth week. Thirty-eight patients (32 female, 52.6 ± 13.8 years; 22 irritable bowel syndrome) completed the study. Twenty-one patients (55%) were classified as responders. Baseline global gastrointestinal symptoms, bloating, abdominal pain scores, and numbers of high FODMAPs items were similar between responders and non-responders. Both groups significantly decreased high FODMAPs items intake with similar numbers at the follow-up. The area under the curve for predicting low FODMAPs responsiveness using baseline H2 levels was 0.692 (95%CI, 0.51-0.86; P < 0.05), with the best cutoff at 8 parts per million (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 82.4%). 66% of responders had baseline H2 level > 8 parts per million vs 17% of non-responders (P < 0.05). The baseline spot hydrogen level in responders was 9.5 (3.3-17.3) vs 4.5 (3.3-6.3) in non-responders (P < 0.05). A higher baseline breath hydrogen level was associated with bloating improvement after low FODMAPs dietary advice. A spot breath test after lunch, a simple point-of-care test, is possibly helpful in managing patients with bloating.

The effect of dietary interventions on pain and quality of life in women diagnosed with endometriosis: a prospective study with control group.

What is the influence of dietary interventions, namely the low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (Low FODMAP) diet and endometriosis diet, on endometriosis-related pain and quality of life (QoL) compared to a control group? After adhering to a dietary intervention for 6 months, women with endometriosis reported less pain and an improved QoL compared to baseline whereas, compared to the control group, they reported less bloating and a better QoL in 3 of 11 domains. Standard endometriosis treatment can be insufficient or may be accompanied by unacceptable side effects. This has resulted in an increasing interest in self-management strategies, including the appliance of the Low FODMAP diet and the endometriosis diet (an experience-based avoidance diet, developed by women with endometriosis). The Low FODMAP diet has previously been found effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain symptoms, whereas only limited studies are available on the efficacy of the endometriosis diet. A survey study recently found the endometriosis diet effective in improving QoL but currently no guidelines on use of the diet exist. A prospective one-center pilot study was performed between April 2021 and December 2022. Participants could choose between adherence to a diet-the Low FODMAP diet or endometriosis diet-or no diet (control group). Women adhering to a diet received extensive guidance from a dietician in training. The follow-up period was 6 months for all three groups. For all outcomes, women adhering to the diets were compared to their baseline situation and to the control group. We included women diagnosed with endometriosis (surgically and/or by radiologic imaging) who reported pain scores ≥3 cm on the visual analogue score (0-10 cm) for dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, and/or chronic pelvic pain. The primary endpoint focused on pain reduction for all pain symptoms, including dysuria, bloating, and tiredness. Secondary endpoints, assessed via questionnaires, focused on QoL, gastro-intestinal health, and diet adherence. A total of 62 participants were included in the low FODMAP diet (n = 22), endometriosis diet (n = 21), and control group (n = 19). Compared to their baseline pain scores, participants adhering to a diet reported less pain in four of six symptoms (range P < 0.001 to P = 0.012) and better scores in 6 of 11 QoL domains (range P < 0.001 to P = 0.023) after 6 months. Compared to the control group, analyzed longitudinally over the 6-month follow-up period, participants applying a diet reported significant less bloating (P = 0.049), and better scores in 3 of 11 QoL domains (range P = 0.002 to P = 0.035). No sample size was calculated since efficacy data were lacking in the literature. In order to optimize dietary adherence, randomization was not applied, possibly resulting in selection bias. Our study suggests that women could benefit from adherence to a dietary intervention, since we found lower pain scores and better QoL after 6 months. However, caution is implied since this is a pilot study, no sample size was calculated, and data on long-term effects (>6 months) are lacking. The results of this pilot study underline the importance of further research and the drawing up of guidelines. A.v.H. reports receiving a travel grant from Merck outside the scope of this study. J.W., S.V., J.T., and B.D.B. have no conflicts of interest to report. A.d.V. reports having received KP-register points for internship guidance of J.W., performing paid consultations with endometriosis patients outside the study and receiving reimbursements for educational lectures at the local hospital (Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, Dordrecht, the Netherlands). A.S. reports having received expenses for travel and hotel costs as an invited speaker from ESHRE. This was outside the scope of this study. M.v.W. reports that she is a Co-Ed of Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility. V.M. reports receiving travel and speaker's fees from Guerbet and research grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring. The department of reproductive medicine (V.M.) of the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, has received several research and educational grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring not related to the submitted work. N/A.

Self-reported food intolerances in an Indian population: Need for individualization rather than a universal low-FODMAP diet.

Low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyol (FODMAP) diets have been recommended for individuals with food intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Individual food intolerances may, however, not correspond to the FODMAP content alone. We conducted a survey on self-reported intolerance to articles of food commonly identified as high FODMAP in 400 healthy Indian subjects (median age 40 years; 69% men) and 204 consecutive consenting patients with IBS (median age 36 years; 58% men). One-hundred seventy-nine (44.8%) healthy subjects and 147 (72.1%) patients with IBS reported some food intolerance (P < 0.00001); the latter reported intolerance to all items (except nuts) more frequently than healthy subjects. The prevalence, however, varied from 2.5 to 32%. Milk intolerance was reported equally commonly by healthy subjects and patients (23% vs 29.9%). Twenty-three (11.3%) patients and no healthy subjects reported wheat sensitivity. The IBS diarrhea subgroup reported intolerance to milk, pulses, capsicum, cauliflower, leafy vegetables, and dry fruits more frequently than the constipation subgroup. From among a list of high-FODMAP items, individuals' intolerance varied widely, suggesting that individuals should be the final judge in deciding their elimination diets rather than devise them based on the FODMAP content alone. As in the West, food intolerance was reported more commonly by patients with IBS, especially those with diarrhea, than by healthy individuals. Also noteworthy is the low prevalence of milk intolerance in a subcontinent labeled as high in lactose intolerance. Unlike in the West, wheat intolerance was not reported by any healthy individual.

Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Endurance Sports: A Review of Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Nutritional Management

Strenuous exercise can be associated with “Exercise Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome” (Ex-GIS), a clinical condition characterized by a series of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances that may impact the physical and psychological performance of athletes. The pathophysiology comprises multi-factorial interactions between the GI tract and the circulatory, immune, enteric, and central nervous systems. There is considerable evidence for increases in the indices of intestinal damage, permeability, and endotoxemia associated with impaired gastric emptying, slowing of small intestinal transit, and malabsorption of nutrients. Heat stress and racing mode seem to exacerbate these GI disturbances. GI symptomatology that derives from strenuous exercise is similar to that of IBS and other GI functional disorders defined in the Rome IV Criteria. To manage Ex-GIS, the exercise modality, state of dehydration, environmental temperature, concomitant therapies, and self-managed diet should be evaluated, and if risk elements are present, an attempt should be made to modify them. Multiple strategies can be successively adopted to manage Ex-GIS. Nutritional and behavioral interventions appear to be the principal ones to avoid symptoms during the exercise. The aim of this review will be to explore the pathophysiology, clinical aspect, and current literature on behavioral and nutritional strategies to manage Ex-GIS, regarding a gluten-free diet and low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet.

The Impact of a 24-h Low and High Fermentable Oligo- Di- Mono-Saccharides and Polyol (FODMAP) Diet on Plasma Bacterial Profile in Response to Exertional-Heat Stress.

Exertional-heat stress (EHS) compromises intestinal epithelial integrity, potentially leading to the translocation of pathogenic agents into circulation. This study aimed to explore the impact of EHS on the systemic circulatory bacterial profile and to determine the impact of a short-term low (LFOD) and high (HFOD) fermentable oligo- di- mono-saccharide and polyol dietary intervention before EHS on this profile. Using a double-blind randomized cross-over design, thirteen endurance runners (n = 8 males, n = 5 females), with a history of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS), consumed a 24 h LFOD and HFOD before 2 h running at 60% V.O2max in 35.6 °C. Blood and fecal samples were collected pre-EHS to determine plasma microbial DNA concentration, and sample bacteria and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles by fluorometer quantification, 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing, and gas chromatography, respectively. Blood samples were also collected post-EHS to determine changes in plasma bacteria. EHS increased plasma microbial DNA similarly in both FODMAP trials (0.019 ng·μL-1 to 0.082 ng·μL-1) (p < 0.01). Similar pre- to post-EHS increases in plasma Proteobacteria (+1.6%) and Firmicutes (+0.6%) phyla relative abundance were observed in both FODMAP trials. This included increases in several Proteobacteria genus (Delftia and Serratia) groups. LFOD presented higher fecal Firmicutes (74%) and lower Bacteroidota (10%) relative abundance pre-EHS, as a result of an increase in Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae family and respective genus groups, compared with HFOD (64% and 25%, respectively). Pre-EHS plasma total SCFA (p = 0.040) and acetate (p = 0.036) concentrations were higher for HFOD (188 and 178 μmol·L-1, respectively) vs. LFOD (163 and 153 μmol·L-1, respectively). Pre-EHS total fecal SCFA concentration (119 and 74 μmol·g-1; p < 0.001), including acetate (74 and 45 μmol·g-1; p = 0.001), butyrate (22 and 13 μmol·g-1; p = 0.002), and propionate (20 and 13 μmol·g-1; p = 0.011), were higher on HFOD vs LFOD, respectively. EHS causes the translocation of whole bacteria into systemic circulation and alterations to the plasma bacterial profile, but the FODMAP content of a 24 h diet beforehand does not alter this outcome.

Survey-Based Analysis of the Clinical Treatment Status of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Korea.

The quality-of-life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is low; incorrect diagnosis/treatment causes economic burden and inappropriate consumption of medical resources. This survey-based study aimed to analyze the current status of irritable bowel syndrome treatment to examine differences in doctors' perceptions of the disease, and treatment patterns. From October 2019 to February 2020, the irritable bowel syndrome and Intestinal Function Research Study Group of the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility conducted a survey on doctors working in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions. The questionnaire included 37 items and was completed anonymously using the NAVER platform (a web-based platform), e-mails, and written forms. A total of 272 doctors responded; respondents reported using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria (amended in 2016) for diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome. Several differences were noted between the primary, secondary, and tertiary physicians' groups. The rate of colonoscopy was high in tertiary healthcare institutions. During a colonoscopy, the necessity of random biopsy was higher among physicians who worked at tertiary institutions. 'The patient did not adhere to the diet' as a reason for ineffectiveness using low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols diet treatment was higher among physicians in primary/secondary institutions, and 'There are individual differences in terms of effectiveness' was higher among physicians in tertiary institutions. In irritable bowel syndrome constipation predominant subtype, the use of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist (ramosetron) and probiotics was higher in primary/secondary institutions, while serotonin type 4 receptor agonist was used more in tertiary institutions. In irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea predominant subtype, the use of antispasmodics was higher in primary/secondary institutions, while the use of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist (ramosetron) was higher in tertiary institutions. Notable differences were observed between physicians in primary/secondary and tertiary institiutions regarding the rate of colonoscopy, necessity of random biopsy, the reason for the ineffectiveness of low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols diet, and use of drug therapy in irritable bowel syndrome. In South Korea, irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed and treated according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, revised in 2016.

Diet-induced modifications to human microbiome reshape colonic homeostasis in irritable bowel syndrome.

Diet-induced modifications to human microbiome reshape colonic homeostasis in irritable bowel syndrome.

An anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols diet improved patient reported outcomes in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with dysbiosis and low-grade inflammation. Studies have reported that diet influences clinical features in FM.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet on clinical outcomes of patients with FM.MethodsThis two arms Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT04007705) included 46 female patients with FM. The intervention group (n = 22) adopted an anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months, excluding gluten, dairy, added sugar, and ultra-processed foods, along with a low FODMAPs diet in the first month. The control group (n = 24) followed general healthy eating recommendations. Both diets were applied by a certified dietitian. Before and after the intervention, participants were assessed regarding pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of sleep, and quality of life, through the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS), Visual Analog Scale from gastrointestinal symptoms (VAS GI), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Survey (FSS), and The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A blood sample was collected and high-sensitive C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate were quantified. Paired Samples t-test/Wilcoxon and independent samples t-test/Mann−Whitney were used to compare variables between groups.ResultsAfter intervention, there was an improvement in intervention group scores of FIQR (p = 0.001), VAS (p = 0.002), BPI (p = 0.011), FSS (p = 0.042), VAS_GI (p = 0.002), PSQI (p = 0.048), and SF36 (p = 0.045) compared to control group. Inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, ESR) did not change in both groups. The intervention was beneficial in the intervention group, regardless of age, disease duration, body mass index variation, and body fat change between baseline and post-intervention.ConclusionAn anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet improved clinical features in patients with FM and may be useful as a complement to pharmacological therapy.Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04007705], identifier [NCT04007705].

Functional bowel disorders with diarrhoea: Clinical guidelines of the United European Gastroenterology and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS‐D) and functional diarrhoea (FDr) are the two major functional bowel disorders characterized by diarrhoea. In spite of their high prevalence, IBS‐D and FDr are associated with major uncertainties, especially regarding their optimal diagnostic work‐up and management. A Delphi consensus was performed with experts from 10 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 31 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for all the statements. The panel agreed with the potential overlapping of IBS‐D and FDr. In terms of diagnosis, the consensus supports a symptom‐based approach also with the exclusion of alarm symptoms, recommending the evaluation of full blood count, C‐reactive protein, serology for coeliac disease, and faecal calprotectin, and consideration of diagnosing bile acid diarrhoea. Colonoscopy with random biopsies in both the right and left colon is recommended in patients older than 50 years and in presence of alarm features. Regarding treatment, a strong consensus was achieved for the use of a diet low fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols, gut‐directed psychological therapies, rifaximin, loperamide, and eluxadoline. A weak or conditional recommendation was achieved for antispasmodics, probiotics, tryciclic antidepressants, bile acid sequestrants, 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 antagonists (i.e. alosetron, ondansetron, or ramosetron). A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis, and management of IBS‐D and FDr.

Correction to: The challenges of implementing low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyol diet in India: An analysis of available data.

Correction to: The challenges of implementing low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyol diet in India: An analysis of available data.

An Asian perspective on irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent chronic disorder, and its epidemiology depends on the diagnostic criteria used. Recently, the Rome IV criteria for IBS were published by changing the frequency of abdominal pain and excluding abdominal discomfort from the previously used Rome III criteria. However, the recent Asian consensus on IBS recommends the inclusion of abdominal discomfort and abdominal pain as diagnostic criteria. The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has been proven to be effective in Western patients. Moreover, recent well-designed studies reported its effectiveness and the microbial changes after implementing it in Asian patients with IBS. However, traditional Korean foods including kimchi, one of representative FODMAP-rich food, exhibited a poor correlation with the food-related symptoms of IBS. Therefore, the low FODMAP diet protocol should be cautiously applied to IBS patients, especially to Korean patients with IBS. In Asian countries, there are lots of traditional herbal medicines and treatments for IBS; however, these studies have limitations including the heterogeneity of herbal mixtures and relatively small sample size. Therefore, well-designed studies based on large samples are required to validate complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of Asian patients with IBS.

The challenges of implementing low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyol diet in India: An analysis of available data.

Low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet is used in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, data on the utility and challenges of implementing such a diet in India are scanty. Since dietary practices in India are different from other Asian and Western countries, the existing Indian data were analyzed. This study attempted to analyze the existing Indian data on the frequency of vegetarianism, cereal (wheat vs. rice), milk/milk product consumption, and lactose malabsorption (LM). A 5-point scale (quiet easy, easy, moderately easy, not easy, difficult) for implementation of low FODMAP diet for IBS patients was proposed based on regional dietary diversity and LM in India. Our analysis showed that vegetarianism is high in India with regional differences in frequency. Similarly, there is regional variation in frequency of LM though it is quite high in most parts of India where data are available. While southern, eastern, and north-eastern [corrected] parts of the country have rice as the staple cereal, wheat is consumed more in other parts. We suggest that implementing a low FODMAP diet in north-eastern India may be most easy compared to northern India, where it may be most difficult. Implementing a low FODMAP diet in southern and eastern India may be easy, moderately easy in western India, and not easy in central India. The variation in the difficulty in implementing a low FODMAP diet in India may stem from the regional food preference and differences in vegetarianism, as well as frequency of LM.