11/10/2025
A systematic review published earlier this year looked at the effects of a low FODMAP diet in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and their experiences when following the diet.
Five randomised trials with an intervention period between 2 to 9 weeks, and two qualitative studies were a**lysed in this systematic review.
The review found that a low FODMAP diet had no effect on disease activity or faecal calprotectin, which is an inflammatory marker for IBD. However, IBS symptom severity reduced and quality of life improved at the end of the intervention.
The qualitative studies included 30 IBS patients, as qualitative studies capturing the experience of IBD patients using the low FODMAP diet were not available. IBS patients expressed that social difficulties made the diet challenging to follow, and personalised recipes and menus would be beneficial. Many turned to online resources when they found interpreting dietary advice and meal planning burdensome, despite the uncertainty of the credibility of these resources. The Monash FODMAP app was mentioned as a useful tool for following the diet.
Given the evidence from current findings, the authors concluded that the low FODMAP diet should only be considered for managing functional gut symptoms rather than as an IBD treatment. There is a need for further studies on the experiences of IBD patients following a low FODMAP diet, and adequate support and follow-up from a gastro-trained dietitian is essential for the nutritional adequacy and safety of all patients following the diet.
Reference: Ville, A., McRae, R., Jiayen Nomchong, Reidlinger, D. P., Davidson, A. R., Staudacher, H. M., & Loai Albarqouni. (2025). Effects of a Low FODMAP Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Patient Experiences: A Mixed Methods Systematic Literature Review and Meta‐Analysis. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 38(4).
