A low FODMAPs diet has been associated with clinical improvement in adults with irritable bowel syndrome and “gluten sensitivity” (see links below). Now, there is more data that this diet can be effective in the pediatric population (Chumpitazi BP, et al. Aliment Pharm Ther DOI: 10.1111/apt.13286. Article first published online: 24 JUN 2015 -Thanks to KT Park for this reference). In addition, this small study (n=33) tries to correlate changes in symptoms with changes in the gut microbiome. Interestingly, the dietary trials were only 48 hours.
From the methods: Following a 7-day baseline period, “we employed a randomised, double-blind, crossover study design. Subjects received either a low FODMAP or typical American childhood diet (TACD) for 48 h. After 48 h on the first assigned diet, they returned to their habitual diet for 5 days. Following this 5-day washout period, they were crossed over to the other intervention diet for 48 h.”
Here is the abstract and a link to the full text: Randomised clinical trial: gut microbiome biomarkers are associated with clinical response to a low FODMAP diet in children with the irritable bowel syndrome
Abstract:
Background
A low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet can ameliorate symptoms in adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) within 48 h.
Aim
To determine the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in childhood IBS and whether gut microbial composition and/or metabolic capacity are associated with its efficacy.
Methods
In a double-blind, crossover trial, children with Rome III IBS completed a 1-week baseline period. They then were randomised to a low FODMAP diet or typical American childhood diet (TACD), followed by a 5-day washout period before crossing over to the other diet. GI symptoms were assessed with abdominal pain frequency being the primary outcome. Baseline gut microbial composition (16S rRNA sequencing) and metabolic capacity (PICRUSt) were determined. Metagenomic biomarker discovery (LEfSe) compared Responders (≥50% decrease in abdominal pain frequency on low FODMAP diet only) vs. Nonresponders (no improvement during either intervention).
Results
Thirty-three children completed the study. Less abdominal pain occurred during the low FODMAP diet vs. TACD [1.1 ± 0.2 (SEM) episodes/day vs. 1.7 ± 0.4, P < 0.05]. Compared to baseline (1.4 ± 0.2), children had fewer daily abdominal pain episodes during the low FODMAP diet (P < 0.01) but more episodes during the TACD (P < 0.01). Responders were enriched at baseline in taxa with known greater saccharolytic metabolic capacity (e.g. Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) and three Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthologues, of which two relate to carbohydrate metabolism.
Conclusions
In childhood IBS, a low FODMAP diet decreases abdominal pain frequency. Gut microbiome biomarkers may be associated with low FODMAP diet efficacy.
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