Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2023 Oct:57:96-105. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.06.028.Epub 2023 Jun 28.

Wolfgang J Schnedl ¹, Simon Michaelis ², Harald Mangge ³, Dietmar Enko ⁴

Author information

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, A-8036, Graz, Austria; General Internal Medicine Practice, Dr. Theodor Körnerstrasse 19b, A-8600, Bruck, Austria. Electronic address: w.schnedl@dr-schnedl.at.

²Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Hochsteiermark, Vordernberger Straße 42, 8700, Leoben, Austria.

³Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Hochsteiermark, Vordernberger Straße 42, 8700, Leoben, Austria; Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036, Graz, Austria.

⁴Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036, Graz, Austria.

Abstract

Symptoms of the disorders across the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) spectrum include several different, usually postprandial, abdominal complaints. Up to date, dietary treatments of the IBS have neither been personalized nor diagnosed with sufficient scientific evidence. They have mostly been treated using 'one-size-fits-all' approaches. Such include exclusion diets, a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet, and gluten-free diets, lactose-free diets, a diet recommended by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and a wheat-free diet. The exact pathophysiology of IBS disorders across the spectrum is still unclear. However, the symptom profile of IBS spectrum disorders seems similar to that of food intolerance/malabsorption syndromes. Celiac disease, fructose malabsorption, histamine intolerance and lactose intolerance represent food intolerance/malabsorption disorders based on the indigestion of sugars and/or proteins. Helicobacter pylori infection may potentially promote the development of IBS and, when facing a case of IBS-like symptoms, a search for intolerance/malabsorption and H. pylori should be added to find the correct treatment for the respective patient. This review will discuss why the 'one-size-fits-all' dietary approach in the treatment of complaints across the IBS spectrum cannot be successful. Hence, it will provide an overview of the most common overall dietary approaches currently used, and why those should be discouraged. Alternatively, a noninvasive diagnostic workup of the pathophysiologic factors of food intolerance/malabsorption in each patient with symptoms of the IBS spectrum is suggested. Additionally, if H. pylori is found, eradication therapy is mandatory, and if food intolerance/malabsorption is detected, an individual and personalized dietary intervention by a registered dietician is recommended.