Reference Number: 102
Year: 2008
Link: Link to original paper
Health: IBS
Intolerance & Sensitivity: FODMAPS
Summary
Introduction
Observational studies suggest dietary fructose restriction might lead to sustained symptomatic response in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fructose malabsorption.
Aims
The aims of this study were first to determine whether the efficacy of this dietary change is due to dietary fructose restriction and second to define whether symptom relief was specific to free fructose or to poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates in general.
Methods
The double-blinded, randomized, quadruple arm, placebo-controlled rechallenge trial took place in the general community. The 25 patients who had responded to dietary change were provided all food, low in free fructose and fructans, for the duration of the study. Patients were randomly challenged by graded dose introduction of fructose, fructans, alone or in combination, or glucose taken as drinks with meals for maximum test period of 2 weeks, with at least 10-day washout period between. For the main outcome measures, symptoms were monitored by daily diary entries and responses to a global symptom question.
Results
Seventy percent of patients receiving fructose, 77% receiving fructans, and 79% receiving a mixture reported symptoms were not adequately controlled, compared with 14% receiving glucose. Similarly, the severity of overall and individual symptoms was significantly and markedly less for glucose than other substances. Symptoms were induced in a dose-dependent manner and mimicked previous IBS symptoms.
Conclusion
In patients with IBS and fructose malabsorption, dietary restriction of fructose and/or fructans is likely to be responsible for symptomatic improvement, suggesting efficacy is due to restriction of poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates in general.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS STUDY
This study provides us with an overview of what might be the dietary trigger for the onset of IBS associated symptoms. The study states that lowering the intake of FODMAPs such as fructans (oligosaccharides present in a variety of foods including cereal grains) have proven helpful in improving IBS symptoms. This is because short chain carbohydrates (called oligosaccharides) such as fructans are poorly broken down and absorbed by people suffering from IBS therefore triggering symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort etc. Restricting the intake of short chain carbohydrates or following a low FODMAP diet is important to manage these symptoms.