For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/938025

 

 News Release 16-Dec-2021
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Chalmers University of Technology

 

Many IBS sufferers avoid certain types of food and often exclude gluten. However, a large new study from Chalmers University of Technology and Uppsala University, Sweden, does not show a relationship between high intake of gluten and increased IBS symptoms. The researchers did find that a certain type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, however, the overall results indicate that they also have less influence than previously thought.
 

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 IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) affects around three to five percent of the world's population, and involves symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation. In the new study, which included 110 people with IBS, the researchers examined how people were affected by serving them rice puddings prepared in different ways. One variety was rich in gluten while the other contained large amounts of carbohydrate of the ‘fodmap’ variety – that is, fermentable carbohydrates, including certain chains of fructose and lactose. Many foods are rich in fodmaps, including dairy products, types of bread and certain fruits and vegetables.
In addition to the specially prepared rice puddings, the researchers also served a neutral one that served as a placebo.

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