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. 2009 Jun;7(6):706-708.e1.
doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.02.023. Epub 2009 Mar 10.

A very low-carbohydrate diet improves symptoms and quality of life in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Gregory L Austin  1 , Christine B Dalton, Yuming Hu, Carolyn B Morris, Jane Hankins, Stephan R Weinland, Eric C Westman, William S Yancy Jr, Douglas A Drossman
Affiliations

A very low-carbohydrate diet improves symptoms and quality of life in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Gregory L Austin et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Jun.

Abstract

Background & aims: Patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) anecdotally report symptom improvement after initiating a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD). This study prospectively evaluated a VLCD in IBS-D.

Methods: Participants with moderate to severe IBS-D were provided a 2-week standard diet, then 4 weeks of a VLCD (20 g carbohydrates/d). A responder was defined as having adequate relief of gastrointestinal symptoms for 2 or more weeks during the VLCD. Changes in abdominal pain, stool habits, and quality of life also were measured.

Results: Of the 17 participants enrolled, 13 completed the study and all met the responder definition, with 10 (77%) reporting adequate relief for all 4 VLCD weeks. Stool frequency decreased (2.6 +/- 0.8/d to 1.4 +/- 0.6/d; P < .001). Stool consistency improved from diarrheal to normal form (Bristol Stool Score, 5.3 +/- 0.7 to 3.8 +/- 1.2; P < .001). Pain scores and quality-of-life measures significantly improved. Outcomes were independent of weight loss.

Conclusions: A VLCD provides adequate relief, and improves abdominal pain, stool habits, and quality of life in IBS-D.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflicts of interest exist for the authors of this manuscript. The sponsors were not involved in the data collection, data analysis, or data interpretation in preparing this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Average Daily Bristol Stool Score During the Standard Diet (Weeks 1-2) and the Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet (Weeks 3-6).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average Daily Abdominal Pain Score During the Standard Diet (Weeks 1-2) and the Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet (Weeks 3-6).
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Comment in

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