JO Bamidele et al. Annals Int Med 2025; https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-25-015. The Mediterranean Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Methods: Randomized noninferiority clinical trial (n=139 Adults from UK) — 6 weeks of the MD (Mediterranean diet) (n = 68) versus TDA (traditional diet advice) (n = 71).  Primary end point was the proportion achieving clinical response, defined as 50-point or greater reduction in IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS).

Traditional dietary advice’s main elements are to “adopt sensible eating habits
and avoid excess fatty foods, spicy foods, processed foods, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. The principal components of the MD are a diet rich in fruit, vegetables,
pulses (aka legumes), whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil.”

Key findings:

• The primary end point was met by 62% following a MD versus 42% following TDA (P = 0.017)
• There was a greater reduction in the mean IBS-SSS after a MD than TDA (−101.2 vs. −64.5)

My take: I agree with the authors: The Mediterranean diet “represents a viable first-line dietary intervention for IBS.”

Related blog posts:

• Pilot Study: Mediterranean Diet vs Low FODMAP for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Constipation
• “Optimal dietary patterns for healthy aging”
• Mediterranean Diet and Better Cognitive Function
• IBD Updates: Preventing Inflammatory Bowel Disease with a Healthy Diet and Medication Safety Pyramid
• Can the Mediterranean Diet Change Your DNA?