Mediterranean Diet Shows Potential for Easing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Study

A pilot study published by Michigan Medicine researchers in the Neurogastroenterology and Motility suggests that the Mediterranean diet may help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the low FODMAP diet continues to be more effective in symptom reduction, the Mediterranean diet, with its less restrictive approach, shows promising potential as an alternative. Researchers concluded that the findings warrant larger, long-term studies to explore their full effectiveness.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects between 4% and 11% of people worldwide, with many preferring dietary changes over medication for managing symptoms. The low FODMAP diet is a widely recommended intervention but is often criticized for being restrictive, time-consuming, and difficult to sustain. It also raises concerns over nutrient deficiencies and the potential for disordered eating.

To investigate a more sustainable option, researchers randomized irritable bowel syndrome patients into two groups: one following a Mediterranean diet and the other following the initial, restrictive phase of the low FODMAP diet. All participants had been diagnosed with either irritable bowel syndrome -D (diarrhea-predominant) or irritable bowel syndrome -M. For four weeks, the study measured outcomes based on an FDA-standard benchmark: a 30% reduction in abdominal pain intensity.

The results showed that 73% of participants on the Mediterranean diet met the primary endpoint, compared to 81.8% in the low FODMAP group. "Restrictive diets, such as low FODMAP, can be difficult for patients to adopt," said Prashant Singh, MBBS, lead author and Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist.

The researchers emphasized the need for future trials comparing the long-term effectiveness of both diets, especially as patients transition through more personalized dietary phases.

Reference: Prashant Singh, Gregory Dean, Sofia Iram, Westley Peng, Samuel W. Chey, Samara Rifkin, Christine Lothen‐Kline, Jane Muir, Allen A. Lee, Shanti Eswaran, William D. Chey. Efficacy of Mediterranean Diet vs. Low‐FODMAP Diet in Patients With Nonconstipated Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 2025; DOI: 10.1111/nmo.70060.