Mediterranean Diet as First-Option for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Findings of a UK clinical trial support the use of the Mediterranean diet (MD) as a first-line therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A total of 139 adults with IBS (mean age 40.4 years; 80% women) from across the UK were randomized to follow either the MD (n = 68) or traditional dietary advice (TDA, n = 71) for six weeks via an online platform. The primary endpoint—a clinical response defined as a ≥50-point reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS)—was achieved by 62% of participants following the MD versus 42% following TDA, favoring the MD. The MD also led to a greater mean reduction in IBS-SSS scores (−101.2 vs. −64.5) and a higher Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score. No significant differences were found between groups in mood, somatic symptoms, quality of life, or diet satisfaction. Although long-term effects remain unknown, the MD demonstrated both noninferiority and superiority to TDA, supporting its role as a viable first-line dietary intervention for IBS. Current IBS guidelines recommend TDA as the first step, followed by the more complex low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet as a second-line therapy. MD is renowned for its general health benefits. Source: https://www.acpjournals.org/