Efficacy of Dietary Interventions in Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes and Gut Microbiota Modulation.

Abstract

This systematic review explores the effectiveness of dietary interventions in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), focusing on clinical outcomes and gut microbiota modulation. A broad search of medical literature identified several high-quality studies examining dietary approaches such as low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diets, gluten-free regimens, and fiber supplementation. Across the included studies, these interventions were consistently associated with reductions in symptom severity and improvements in quality of life (QOL). In addition, several dietary strategies contributed to favorable changes in gut microbial composition, supporting the role of diet in influencing underlying mechanisms of IBS. Tailored interventions that accounted for individual food sensitivities or triggers demonstrated greater clinical benefit and adherence. Overall, the findings emphasize the potential of personalized dietary modifications as a cornerstone of IBS management. However, further investigation is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of these approaches across varied patient populations.