How adding probiotics to FODMAP diet effects symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: Randomized double blind placebo-controlled study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of FODMAP-restricted diet and probiotic supplementary food products on IBS symptoms. Method: In this study, out of all patients diagnosed with IBS according to Rome IV criteria, 51 of them are randomly placed in FODMAP + probiotics group and the other 51 are randomly placed in FODMAP + placebo group. Before starting the study, all patients are asked to fill in questionnaires for Visual Pain Score, Bristol Stool Chart and IBSSS. Patients forwarded to a dietician to receive nutrition advice on low FODMAP diet. Low FODMAP diet applied as 9 gr/day. Patients, who are in low FODMAP diet + probiotics group, received food supplement containing 2 grams of probiotics once a day while the other group were receiving a placebo once a day in addition to their diet. Patients are assessed and scored via same tools in 1 month. A data analysis was made using abovementioned scales and scores about patients in FODMAP + probiotics group and FODMAP + placebo group before and after this program. Results: In both groups, placebo and probiotic fractures were significantly improved in VAS and IBSS scores. The change in VAS score was 2.56 in the probiotic group and 2.77 in the placebo group. When the IBS score was evaluated, the score of 307.46 in the probiotic group was 176.64; in the placebo group, it decreased from 310.26 to 183.87. Conclusion: A low FODMAP diet is a treatment option that has a positive effect on IBS symptoms. In our study, the low FODMAP diet showed significant efficacy in correcting symptoms, but no additional contribution of probiotic was found. Key words: IBS, probiotics, low FODMAP diet