DIETARY INTERVENTIONS VS. STANDARD MEDICAL THERAPY IN IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits. Traditional management often involves pharmacological treatments targeting specific symptoms. However, emerging evidence suggests dietary modifications may offer superior symptom relief. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of two nutritional interventions—a low-FODMAP diet and a low-carbohydrate diet—with optimized medical therapy in adults diagnosed with IBS. 294 participants were randomized into three groups: low-FODMAP diet, low-carbohydrate diet, and medical treatment. After a 4-week intervention, 76% of the low-FODMAP group and 71% of the low-carbohydrate group achieved a ≥50-point reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), compared to 58% in the medical treatment group (p=0.023). Both dietary groups also reported significant improvements in quality of life measures. These findings underscore the potential of nutritional interventions as effective first-line treatments for IBS, highlighting the need for personalized dietary strategies in clinical practice.