Early experience with a low FODMAP diet in Asian patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the efficacy and compliance of a low-FODMAP diet in Asian adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Results Summary
The study found that 68.8% of patients reported symptom improvement, with the greatest benefits seen in IBS-D subtype patients for stool consistency. Compliance with the diet was low, with only 50% fully adhering to it.
Population
Asian adults (Chinese, Indian, Malay) with IBS, median age 67 years, predominantly female (62.5%).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low FODMAP diet | no change | compliance | Asian adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | - | appears to be low | #1 |
low FODMAP diet | increase | symptoms | patients with IBS | 11 of 16 (68.8%) | Improvement in symptoms were reported | #2 |
low FODMAP diet | increase | abdominal pain | patients who complied (complete/partial) with the low FODMAP diet | 3 of 5 (60%) | predominant symptom improvement was reported | #3 |
low FODMAP diet | increase | abdominal bloating/distension | patients who complied (complete/partial) with the low FODMAP diet | 7 of 10 (70%) | predominant symptom improvement was reported | #4 |
low FODMAP diet | increase | flatulence | patients who complied (complete/partial) with the low FODMAP diet | 7 of 8 (87.5%) | predominant symptom improvement was reported | #5 |
low FODMAP diet | increase | stool consistency | patients with the IBS-D subtype | 87.5% IBS-D vs 12.5% non-IBS-D | appeared to have the greatest improvement | #6 |
BACKGROUND: The efficacy and acceptance of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in Asian adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain uncertain. We aimed to describe our early experience in a single center with a dedicated gastroenterology dietetic service. METHODS: Consecutive patients with IBS referred to our dedicated Dietetic Gastroenterology Clinic between February 2016 and May 2016 were screened. A low FODMAP diet was instituted as per standard protocol. Data on demographic and clinical variables were obtained from patients' records and prospective telephone interviews. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients, with a median age of 67 ± 13.57 years; female gender n = 10 (62.5%); ethnicity: Chinese n = 8 (50%), Indian n = 5 (31.25%), and Malay n = 3 (18.75%) with IBS, were included in the study. Compliance with the low FODMAP diet was complete in 8 of 16 (50%) patients, partial in 4 of 16 (25%), and 4 of 16 (25%) could not comply with the diet at all. Improvement in symptoms were reported in 11 of 16 (68.8%) patients. Among patients who complied (complete/partial) with the low FODMAP diet, predominant symptom improvement was reported as follows: abdominal pain 3 of 5 (60%), abdominal bloating/distension 7 of 10 (70%), and flatulence 7 of 8 (87.5%). Patients with the IBS-D subtype appeared to have the greatest improvement in stool consistency (87.5% IBS-D vs 12.5% non-IBS-D, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Based on our pilot observational study of a relatively small sample of Asian IBS patients, compliance with a low FODMAP diet appears to be low. Further larger studies are required to verify our observation.