Takeaway
- In patients with IBD, a brief switch to a low-FODMAP diet (LFD) was tied to reduced inflammatory markers and improved disease activity and QoL measures in this randomized trial.
Why this matters
- FODMAPs have been implicated in symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and recent findings have pointed to some benefit of a low FODMAP diet for IBD.
Key results
- After 6 weeks, disease activity scores decreased with LFD vs standard diet (SD) (P=.024) among those with Crohn’s disease.
- Median (interquartile range) calprotectin values also decreased in the LFD group from 76.6 (50-286.3) at baseline to 50 (50.6-81) mg/kg at 6 weeks (P=.004).
- Such a decrease was not seen with SD.
- Median disease-specific QoL scores increased significantly in the LFD group (P=.05) but did not change with the SD.
Study design
- 55 patients with IBD (in remission or with mild activity) were randomly allocated to LFD or SD for 6 weeks.
- Measures used for disease activity were the Harvey-Bradshaw index (Crohn’s) and partial Mayo score (ulcerative colitis).
- Funding: None disclosed.
Limitations
- Short trial, small numbers enrolled.
References
References
