Dietary Fiber May Relieve IBS Symptoms

VALLADOLID, Spain--Supplemental dietary fiber may mitigate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published in the September edition of Nutrition (20, 9:735-7, 2004) (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/08999007).

In the single blind, randomized, clinical trial, 56 subjects with IBS were randomly assigned to a group supplemented with 10.4 g/d of dietary fiber (group 1) or a group supplemented with 30.5 g/d of dietary fiber (group 2). Subjects were assessed at baseline and at three months for body weight, symptoms and nutritional intake by means of written food records. Total energy intake and distribution of macronutrients were not significantly different between groups. Total dietary fiber intake did not reach recommended levels in either group but was higher in group 2 than in group 1. Pain scores, bowel scores and general scores improved in both groups from baseline to three months and no significant differences were detected between groups.

The researchers concluded a modest fiber intake in IBS patients relieved symptoms, but may have been attributable to a placebo effect since test results were similar in the low-fiber group.