Gothenburg, Sweden – A recent study conducted at the University of Gothenburg revealed that dietary adjustments are more effective than medications in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that over seven out of ten patients experienced significant symptom reduction with dietary changes.
IBS is a common condition that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation in varying degrees of severity. Traditionally, treatment for IBS includes dietary advice, medication to manage specific symptoms, and sometimes the use of antidepressants.
The study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, compared the effectiveness of three different treatments for IBS. Participants included adult patients with severe or moderate IBS symptoms at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg.
One group received traditional IBS dietary advice with a focus on low intake of fermentable carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs. Another group followed a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, while the third group received medication based on their most troublesome IBS symptoms.
After a four-week treatment period, researchers assessed the participants’ responses using an established IBS symptom scoring scale. The results showed that 76% of the group following traditional dietary advice with low FODMAPs experienced significant symptom reduction, compared to 71% in the low-carbohydrate diet group and 58% in the medication group.
At a six-month follow-up, a large percentage of participants in the dietary groups still reported clinically significant symptom relief, even after partially returning to their previous eating habits.
The study, led by researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, emphasizes the central role of diet in treating IBS. Further research is needed to personalize treatment options for individuals with IBS and to determine predictors of treatment response.