The effect of low-FODMAP diet on patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that causes abdominal pain associated with alteration of bowel habits. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, Polyols (FODMAP) diet intervention in adult patients with mild and severe symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a low-FODMAP dietary intervention program that included anthropometric measurements (height and weight). A total of 45 randomly selected adult IBS patients were recruited from the family medicine department at King Abdulaziz Hospital and primary healthcare centers at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The severity of IBS symptoms was assessed using the validated IBS-SSS questionnaire developed by the Rome Foundation. Additionally, dietary data were gathered through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) Study participants included 68.9% females and 31.1% males, with the age group 18-30 years (66.7% of the total sample), followed by 31-45 years (33.3%). 62.2% were married and 37.8% were single. The mean BMI of the participants was 23.18 ± 2.348 kg/m², 77.8% were classified as normal weight, 17.8%, overweight, and 4.4% underweight. IBS symptoms before the FODMAP intervention program were; 82.2% moderate symptoms and 17.8% severe symptoms. After the program, 86% had moderate symptoms and 14% had mild symptoms. The low-FODMAP dietary intervention led to significant improvement in IBS symptoms and encouraged healthier eating habits among adult participants. However, due to the restrictive nature of the diet, it may have contributed to changes in weight and potential nutrient deficiencies. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing such interventions under professional guidance.