Soluble fibre most effective in irritable bowel syndrome: Study

Researchers led by Rene Bijkerk of the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Netherlands, conducted clinical trails to compare the effects of bran, psyllium and a placebo supplement in the diets of patients suffering from IBS.

The researchers recruited 275 patients aged 18-65 years with IBS for the study. With an exception of six percent, all the participants were Caucasian. Also, more than three-quarters were women, who are known to experience more IBS than men.

The subjects were then divided into three groups randomly. One group received 10-grams of psyllium twice a day, usually mixed with yogurt. A second group received a similar dose of bran, while the third group received a placebo (rice flour) mixed with yogurt in their diet.

The investigators then assessed the symptoms of relief, severity of pain and quality of life over a period of one, two, and three months.

Observations by the researchers
The researchers observed that the patients who took psyllium demonstrated 90 point reduction in the severity of their symptoms as opposed to 58 points in the bran group, and 49 points in the placebo group.

During the course of the study, 40 percent of the subjects quit early. The rate of the drop-outs in the study was the highest among those taking bran supplements due to worsening of their IBS.

The adverse effects reported by most patients were flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation during the study. Other problems were back pain, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

Dr René Bijkerk said, “The results of this large scale trial in primary care support the addition of soluble fibre, such as psyllium, but not bran as an effective first treatment approach in the clinical management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.”

Dr Niek de Wit, one of the researchers stated, "I think adding psyllium to the diet is the best treatment option to start with. In the study, people did this by adding it to things such as yoghurt and it had a real effect.”

The study was published in the British Medical Journal.

More on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition of the intestines that affects the colon (large intestine). The symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and gas generally after eating. People suffering from IBS also experience constipation, diarrhea or both.

Most of the people only exhibit mild to moderate symptoms, with very few experiencing acute symptoms. Generally, people are embarrassed and wait up to three years to see their doctor about IBS symptoms.

Although there is no cure for IBS besides taking soluble fiber, the problem can be prevented by refraining from consumption of caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, wheat, barley, and milk products. Stress and eating large meals can also aggravate IBS.