The Efficacy of the Low-FODMAP Diet to Alleviate Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder with 6.5% worldwide prevalence that causes gas production, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain or discomfort. This systematic review describes efficacy of the Low-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols (FODMAP) diet (Low-FODMAP diet or LFD) to alleviate IBS symptoms using the PRISMA guidelines. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one non-RCT consecutive controlled study published between 2015 to 2019 were identified using PubMed and CENTRAL. Included studies involved adult IBS participants with symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea. A total of 530 participants completed the interventions from the 10 studies included in the final systematic review with participants ranging from mean ages of 40.31 ± 12.83 years. The LFD can be recommended to patients for its use with alleviating abdominal pain severity and quality of life; however, more research is needed to verify the efficacy of the LFD concerning stool frequency and consistency.