Abstract
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.
Functional bowel disorders (FBD) in children are becoming increasingly more common where there are data. The low FODMAP (LFD) diet is used as a successful dietary therapy for treating irritable bowel syndrome in adults; however, a paucity of data exists examining the use of this diet in children. This retrospective clinical case note review showed that the LFD is a useful dietary treatment strategy in children and adolescents with FBD and adds to the small body of evidence supporting LFD interventions in children.