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Low‐FODMAP Diet Is Associated With Improved Quality of Life in IBS Patients—A Prospective Observational Study
Author(s) -
Kortlever Tim L.,
Ten Bokkel Huinink Sebastiaan,
Offereins Marleen,
Hebblethwaite Clarice,
O'Brien Leigh,
Leeper Julie,
Mulder Chris J. J.,
Barrett Jacqueline S.,
Gearry Richard B.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1002/ncp.10233
Subject(s) - medicine , irritable bowel syndrome , quality of life (healthcare) , depression (economics) , anxiety , gastroenterology , psychiatry , nursing , economics , macroeconomics
Background The low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP) diet is effectively manages irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Long‐term low‐FODMAP studies rarely report quality of life (QoL). We aimed to determine the effect of low‐FODMAP diet on long‐term QoL, gastrointestinal (GI) and non‐GI symptoms in IBS patients. Methods A prospective observational study of IBS patients referred for low‐FODMAP dietary advice was performed. The primary outcome of QoL and secondary outcomes of GI symptoms, anxiety/depression, fatigue, sleep quality, and happiness were obtained at baseline, 6 weeks (T6), and 6 months (T26). Results 111 patients were recruited. 91.0%, 71.6%, and 50.5% of participants completed baseline, T6, and T26 assessments, respectively. There were significant improvements in QoL from baseline at T6 and T26 (both P < 0.001). Significant reductions were seen in GI symptoms at T6 and T26 (both P < 0.001), fatigue at T6 and T26 (both P < 0.003), and anxiety at T6 and T26 (both P < 0.007), compared with baseline. A significant reduction was seen for depression ( P < 0.010) from baseline at T26, and a significant increase was seen for both happiness and vitality (both P < 0.04) from baseline at T26. There was a significant correlation between GI symptom response and change in QoL, anxiety, depression, and fatigue (all P < 0.034). Conclusion Low‐FODMAP diet was associated with improved long‐term QoL and GI symptoms, reduced fatigue and anxiety/depression, and increased happiness and vitality. These data support a wider range of benefits for IBS patients consuming a low‐FODMAP diet.