Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
A nutritional approach for managing irritable bowel syndrome
Natalie Bhesania1, Gail A M Cresci
1aDepartment of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Institute bDepartment of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Nutritional interventions can help manage pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Understanding dietary impacts on the gut microbiome is key for long-term IBS symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) in children, often presenting as recurrent abdominal pain.
- IBS affects an estimated 6-14% of the pediatric population, diagnosed using Rome III criteria.
- Nutritional strategies are increasingly recognized for their role in managing pediatric IBS symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current beneficial nutritional interventions for pediatric IBS.
- To discuss the impact of these interventions on the gut microbiome.
- To provide an update on managing IBS in pediatric patients through diet.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on nutritional interventions for pediatric IBS.
- Analysis of the effects of dietary changes on the gut microbiome in IBS patients.
- Synthesis of findings from adult IBS literature extrapolated to pediatric cases.
Main Results:
- Dietary interventions show promise for symptomatic improvement in pediatric IBS.
- Eliminating trigger foods is a common acute management strategy.
- Potential long-term impacts of restrictive diets on the gut microbiome warrant further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional interventions are a critical component of pediatric IBS management.
- The gut microbiome's role in IBS necessitates careful consideration of dietary approaches.
- More research is needed specifically in the pediatric population, as current knowledge is largely based on adult studies.
Purpose Of Review:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) encountered by the pediatrician and consultant. The primary focus of this review is to provide an update on beneficial nutritional interventions for managing this patient population with discussion on gut microbiome effects.
Recent Findings:
A common complaint among the pediatric population is IBS-related recurrent abdominal pain. The prevalence of IBS is estimated to range between 6 and 14% and is defined by the Rome III criteria for FGIDs. Recent studies highlight the role of nutritional interventions in mitigating symptoms of IBS. Although eliminating foods that aggravate IBS gastrointestinal symptoms have become a main nutritional approach for acute management of IBS, recent literature reflects how this may impact the gut microbiome and potentially have long-term implications.
Summary:
There are emerging studies suggesting IBS symptomatic improvement with different dietary interventions in the pediatric population, but most of what is known at this time has been extrapolated from the adult literature.
More Related Videos
10:37Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
04:04Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS