Benefits of the Mediterranean diet for irritable bowel syndrome appeared within just 2 weeks of dietary change, according to a recent study.
In a randomized clinical trial, researchers found that the Mediterranean diet was both noninferior and superior to traditional dietary advice in reducing symptom severity among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, 62% (n = 42/68) of the participants following the Mediterranean diet achieved a clinical response—defined as a reduction of 50 points or more on the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS)—compared with 42% (n = 30/71) of those in the traditional dietary advice (TDA) group. The mean IBS-SSS reduction was greater with the Mediterranean diet (–101.2 vs –64.5), and a 100-point or greater reduction occurred in 44% of the participants following the MD vs 32% of those following TDA. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was high, with week 6 Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener scores increasing from 5.1 to 8.9 in the Mediterranean diet group compared with an increase from 4.6 to 5.8 in the TDA group. Nutritional analysis showed higher fiber, folate, magnesium, and oligosaccharide intake among participants following the Mediterranean diet.
The [Mediterranean diet] showed noninferiority and superiority to TDA in managing IBS symptoms, thereby representing a viable first-line dietary intervention for IBS, the lead study author Joy O. Bamidele, BMedSci, of the Division of Clinical Medicine at the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, and colleagues noted.
A total of 139 adults aged 18 to 65 years who met Rome IV criteria for IBS and had a baseline IBS-SSS score of 75 or greater were randomly assigned to follow either the Mediterranean diet (n = 68) or TDA (n = 71) for 6 weeks. Both diets were introduced through 30-minute online group education sessions led by registered dietitians and followed by emailed support materials.
Secondary outcomes included changes in psychological health, somatic symptom severity, quality of life, and diet satisfaction. Both groups experienced improvements in mood and quality of life, but between-group differences weren't significant. The participants reported similar satisfaction with their assigned diets.
The researchers reported no conflicts of interest.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine