Background and aims: Functional bowel disorders (FBD), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are increasingly more common in children and affect up to 20% of children. The etiology is multifactorial with no clear organic cause. Symptoms are recurrent and are associated with a reduced quality of life, school absences, and psychological challenges. Treatment options are variable. FODMAPs are short-chained carbohydrates, poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract due to their increased osmotic activity and excess gas production from the bacterial fermentation process. There is a paucity of data examining dietary interventions that restrict carbohydrates in children with IBS. The aim of this study was to examine the use of the low FODMAP diet (LFD) in children with an FBD.
Methods: A retrospective clinical case note review of children with an FBD managed with an LFD was undertaken. Anthropometry and clinical data were collected by a pediatric gastroenterology dietitian. An IBS satisfaction survey was used to assess diet outcomes. Statistical analyses were completed using Excel.
Results: Of the 29 children included in this study, complete resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms was observed for 11 of 12 (92%) of those with bloating, 13 of 15 (87%) of those with diarrhea, and 17 of 22 (77%) of those with abdominal pain. Twenty-three (79%) participants reported an improvement of symptoms. Fructans were the most common symptom-causing carbohydrate.
Conclusion: The LFD is a useful dietary treatment strategy for children with FBD. This study adds to the small body of evidence supporting FODMAP dietary interventions in children with FBD. Further prospective studies are required.
Keywords: dietetics; functional bowel disorder; gastroenterology; nutrition; pediatrics.
© 2019 The Authors. JGH Open: An open access journal of gastroenterology and hepatology published by Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.