Abstract
Background: One therapeutic strategy to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] symptoms may be to reduce the intake of dietary fructose and lactose. The majority of patients with IBS believe that diet contributes to their symptoms. They may limit their intake of certain food groups or specific foods that are vital in the diet to provide essential nutrients in attempt to self-manage their symptoms. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the relationship between fructose and lactose consumption and IBS symptoms in 50-year old adults residing in Canterbury.
Methods: The Canterbury Health Ageing and Life Course [CHALICE] study is a longitudinal study consisting of 50-year old (n = 300) Cantabrians. Participants attended a 4 – 6 hour assessment and underwent multiple interviews and procedures. Data used in this thesis include the Birmingham IBS symptom questionnaire and a four-day estimated food and beverage diary [FBD]. Participants who reported any IBS symptoms were categorised into the IBS symptom group and those who reported no symptoms were categorised into the no symptoms group. Using the Birmingham IBS symptom questionnaire, individual participant scores for constipation, diarrhoea, pain score, and total symptom score were calculated. FBD data were converted to nutrients using the food and nutrient analysis programme; Kai-culator.
Results: Two hundred and twenty seven (75.7%) participants completed the Birmingham IBS symptom questionnaire and a four-day estimated FBD and were included in the analyses. The IBS dimensions constipation, diarrhoea, and total IBS score were not associated with fructose or lactose intake. A lower prevalence of IBS pain symptoms was associated with higher mean daily intakes of fructose (P = 0.055) and lactose (P = 0.041).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that participants with IBS symptoms may have reduced their intake of fructose and lactose. People with IBS could benefit from guidance from a Dietitian to achieve a well balanced diet while excluding foods they have identified that contribute to their particular IBS symptoms.