A dietitian-led low-FODMAP diet webinar: a pre-post study evaluating its impact on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Aisling Colgan, Katie Digby, Tanefa Apekey, Iona Elborough-Whitehouse, Leah Seamark, Olivia Radcliffe, Marianne Williams, Mary Hickson

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Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that the low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet improves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when delivered by a dietitian. However, demand for dietetic appointments exceeds supply. Prerecorded webinars are acceptable and cost-effective for delivering first-line IBS dietary advice. Methodology: This study, using a pre–post design, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-FODMAP diet restriction phase webinar at improving IBS symptoms. Participants with self-reported IBS symptoms were asked to report their IBS symptoms, stool frequency, stool consistency and IBS medication use, before and 8 weeks postwebinar via an online questionnaire. The presence and severity of participants' symptoms and bowel habits were captured using validated tools and a global symptom question. Results: In total 228 participants responded to both pre- and postsurveys. A statistically significant improvement in all symptoms was observed 8 weeks postwebinar (p < 0.05). The proportion of participants rating their overall symptoms as moderate-to-severe reduced from 85.5% at baseline to 34.6% postwebinar (50.9% reduction [p < 0.001]). The proportion of participants reporting normal stool consistency and frequency significantly increased postwebinar (23.2%–39.9% [p < 0.001] and 76.3%–89% [p < 0.001], respectively). Satisfactory relief of symptoms increased from 16.7% to 53.1%, (p < 0.001) 8 weeks postwebinar. Conclusions: These results are comparable with literature on the efficacy of face-to-face delivery of low-FODMAP diet education. Dietitians should consider directing triaged patients with IBS, who have tried first-line dietary advice, to this webinar as an alternative or alongside current practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)396-407
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Volume37
Issue number2
Early online date31 Oct 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Nutritionists
  • FODMAP Diet
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted/methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Diet
  • Fermentation
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • clinical practice
  • gastroenterology
  • nutrition education
  • dietetics
  • fibre

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