Dietary Treatment for IBS Within Primary Health Care (KIPIBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifaceted disorder where diet plays a pivotal role in symptom generation and management. The traditional dietary advice given to patients in clinical settings are based on the NICE guidelines. Some of the advice included in these guidelines have limited scientific evidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the traditional dietary advice in IBS, according to the NICE guidelines, within a primary health care setting, where treatment is delivered digitally and in groups of 8-12 individuals. As a sham comparator, one group will receive dietary advice according to the Swedish dietary guidelines regarding healthy eating habits.

Participants will only be told that the both diets aim to relieve symptoms of IBS, and that none of the diets are expected to cure the disorder. No specific names of the diets will be given.

The traditional dietary advice according to the NICE guidelines and the systematic reviews performed by the British dietetic association (BDA) include having regular meals and to take time to eat, not to skip meals or eat too much at ones. The diet also limits intake of known trigger foods, such as coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, spicy foods, fatty foods etc. People who experience loose stools are recommended to avoid sweeteners (-ol), and people with wind/bloating are recommended to eat soluble fibers such as oats and flaxseeds.

This diet includes eating 500 grams of vegetables and fruits/day, fish approximately 3 times/week, 70 grams of wholegrain/day and to limit intake of red meat.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with IBS (ROME IV) by physician Age 18-50 Ability to read and understand Swedish Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Received dietary treatment for IBS previously Manifestations of other conditions that may explain gastrointestinal symptoms