Medically Reviewed by: Nicole Anne Vergara, RD
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with poor eating practices and inadequate micronutrient intake, which may play a role in the emergence of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. A study about the poor intake of vitamins and minerals and its association with symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome sought to determine if micronutrient intake and plasma/serum levels in people with IBS were related to symptoms and dietary restrictions, as well as the effects of a starch- and sugar-reduced diet (SSRD).
Methods Used
The study engaged patients under SSRD/controls for four weeks. According to Rome IV criteria, 155 patients with IBS or functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) were involved in SSRD/controls for the period mentioned. Prior to and following the commencement of the study, patients filled out questionnaires regarding their dietary preferences, medical history, IBS-symptom severity score (IBS-SSS), visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS), and diary keeping. Micronutrient levels in plasma and serum were examined at the beginning.
Results
The baseline micronutrient intake was lower than what was advised by national guidelines. Intake and plasma levels of iron were inversely related to gastrointestinal symptoms. Extraintestinal symptoms, weariness, and plasma levels of iron were all negatively correlated with vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, and iodine intake, while positively correlated with plasma iron-binding capacity. Intakes of calcium, iron, and zinc were also negatively correlated with tiredness. Participants under limits had decreased levels of plasma ferritin. With far fewer symptoms, SSRD raised intake of a number of vitamins, selenium, and fat while reducing sodium intake.
Conclusion
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome exhibited low baseline intakes of micronutrients, which inversely correlated with overall IBS-SSS, extraintestinal IBS-SSS, and fatigue. Several micronutrient intakes were raised by SSRD, and this weakly linked with symptom alleviation.
Our Recommendation
Since it is concluded that patients who have irritable bowel syndrome are prone to micronutrient deficiencies, it is highly advisable to take nutrient supplements. These supplements include Low FODMAP Multivitamins which is designed to provide patients with adequate vitamins and minerals throughout the day which they are unable to acquire from their elimination diet.
A Low FODMAP Multivitamins is very important to use because we want to lessen the flare ups of IBS symptoms among patients. This Low FODMAP Multivitamins are equipped with high potency vitamins and minerals. Also, it is gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free, egg-free, and nightshade-free.
Reference:
Roth, B., Larsson, E., & Ohlsson, B. (2022, April 5). Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35304769/
