N Vermeijden et al. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026; 24, 2286-2296. Peppermint Oil and Sweets in Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Abdominal Pain: A Randomized Trial

Methods: A large randomized controlled trial evaluated 228 children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years across multiple hospitals.  The primary endpoint was treatment success, defined as a ≥30% reduction of abdominal pain intensity after 8 weeks. 

Key finding:

• Treatment success rates—measured as a 30% or greater drop in pain intensity after 8 weeks—were similar for peppermint oil (44.0%), peppermint sweets (38.7%), and placebo (37.3%)

My take: The overall response rate for peppermint oil, peppermint sweets and placebo ranged from 37% to 44%. Given its safety, it should still be considered a useful treatment for pediatric IBS (see more on this tomorrow). It is listed as a recommended therapy in recent guidelines with low evidence of effectiveness.

Related blog posts:

• Treatment Guidelines for Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Rome V: Lower GI Tract and Biliary Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Pediatrics (Part 1)
• Enhanced Placebo Effect For Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Abdominal Pain in Adolescents
• PERSUADE Study: I Guarantee That It Will …