IBS Sufferers Hypersensitive to Common Foods

LONDON--Research indicates sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be hypersensitive to antigens contained in wheat, beef, pork and lamb, according to a study in the July issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology [epub ahead of print].

British researchers studied the effects of 16 common foods in 108 IBS patients (52 diarrhea-predominant; 32 constipation-predominant; 24 alternating) and 43 controls using IgG4 and IgE titers and skin prick testing (SPT). Data results and patients' IBS symptoms were correlated.

Researchers found IBS patients had significantly higher IgG4 titers to wheat, beef, pork and lamb compared to controls. These differences were maintained across all three subgroups. Antibody titers to potatoes, rice, fish, chicken, yeast, tomato and shrimps were not significantly different and no significant difference in IgE titers was observed between IBS and controls. No correlation was seen between the pattern of elevated IgG4 antibody titers and patients' symptoms, such as pain bloating and stool frequency.

Researchers concluded serum elevated IgG4 antibodies to wheat, beef, pork and lamb may be the result of physiological damage caused by IBS.

"The response to exclusion diet based on elevated food-specific IgG4 in future studies may be useful in establishing the significance of these findings," wrote the study authors.