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Review
. 2024 Jan 16;16(2):265.
doi: 10.3390/nu16020265.

Food Intolerances, Food Allergies and IBS: Lights and Shadows

Andrea Pasta  1 , Elena Formisano  2   3 , Francesco Calabrese  1   3 , Maria Corina Plaz Torres  1   3 , Giorgia Bodini  1   3 , Elisa Marabotto  1   3 , Livia Pisciotta  2   3 , Edoardo Giovanni Giannini  1   3 , Manuele Furnari  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Food Intolerances, Food Allergies and IBS: Lights and Shadows

Andrea Pasta et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS has increased globally, especially among young adults. Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in IBS management. About 85-90% of IBS patients report symptom exacerbation linked to specific food consumption, highlighting the strong connection between food intolerances and IBS. Food intolerances often exhibit a dose-dependent pattern, posing a challenge in identifying trigger foods. This issue is further complicated by the complex nature of gastrointestinal physiology and varying food compositions. This review discusses various dietary patterns and their impact on IBS, including the low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and Mediterranean diet. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach in dietary management, considering individual symptom variability and dietary history. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and holistic management of IBS, considering the complex interplay between dietary factors and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. It underlines the importance of patient education and adherence to treatment plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by the variability in dietary triggers and the psychological impact of dietary restrictions.

Keywords: dietary management; food intolerances; gastrointestinal physiology; irritable bowel syndrome; low-FODMAP diet.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
This figure illustrates the impact of high-FODMAP foods like fruits and milk (left) and processed foods (right) on gut health.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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This research received no external funding.
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