Use of dietary interventions for functional gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

The role of food in the development of symptoms experienced within functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is well recognised. This review aims to describe the evidence base for dietary interventions in the different functional esophageal, duodenal and bowel disorders. Randomised controlled trials are lacking for many of the FGIDs, with the exception of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Restricting rapidly fermentable, short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) provides an evidence based dietary approach for the management of symptoms of IBS. Recent evidence shows the upper GI motility response varies between carbohydrates, which gives promise for the potential application of the low FODMAP diet in upper GI disorders. In addition to fine-tuning our FODMAP understanding, other observational data and smaller sized studies create an exciting and optimistic future for dietary management of all FGIDs.