Noba

A recently published study from the University of Gothenburg shows that the low FODMAP diet is the most effective treatment strategy for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The research reveals that more than 7 out of 10 people with IBS experienced significant symptom improvement when following the low FODMAP diet combined with traditional dietary advice.

This study is one of the first to directly compare different dietary interventions with pharmaceutical treatment for IBS.

Read more about what IBS is here.

Study Design

The randomized controlled trial, known as the CARIBS study, compared three different treatment approaches:

1) A low FODMAP diet combined with traditional dietary advice. This group also received guidance on eating calmly, avoiding very spicy foods, and carbonated beverages.

2) A low-carbohydrate diet high in protein and fat.

3) Pharmacological treatment (medications).

Nearly 300 participants were closely followed over a 4-week period, during which they regularly reported IBS-related symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, as well as quality of life measurements.

Participants were provided with food and recipes for their meals.

Compelling Results

The findings showed that after 4 weeks, the low FODMAP approach was the most effective treatment. Among those who followed the low FODMAP diet combined with traditional advice, a full 76% reported significant symptom improvement. In comparison, 71% of participants on the low-carb diet experienced improvement, while 58% in the medication group saw positive results.

Participants were encouraged to continue their respective diets after the study and received information on how to reintroduce foods to assess their tolerance levels — also known as phase two of the low FODMAP diet. A six-month follow-up showed that most participants in both diet groups continued to experience symptom relief, even after gradually returning to their regular eating habits.

What We Can Learn

This research represents a major step forward in our understanding of IBS treatment. It supports the value of an individualized approach, where the patient’s symptoms, preferences, and treatment responses are at the center.

The results also add to the growing body of research suggesting that dietary interventions — particularly the low FODMAP diet — can be more effective than conventional medication for people with IBS. Additionally, the study highlights that medication may still be helpful for those who, for various reasons, are unable or unwilling to make dietary changes.

Read the full study here: A low FODMAP diet plus traditional dietary advice versus a low-carbohydrate diet versus pharmacological treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (CARIBS): a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial