Background:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal (GI) pathology among GI disorders. Various dietary interventions, particularly the low-FODMAP diet, are employed to alleviate IBS symptoms.
Study Population \& Design:
This study will include 78 adult patients, aged 18-65, diagnosed with IBS according to Rome IV criteria at the Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic. Participants will be divided into two parallel groups:
Group 1 (n=39): Will receive dietary intervention solely through physician follow-up (provided with a standard hospital brochure listing prohibited foods).
Group 2 (n=39): Will receive structured, personalized dietary intervention through individualized nutritional counseling by a dietitian.
Duration: The low-FODMAP diet intervention for both groups will last for 8 weeks.
Outcome Measures:
At baseline (week 0) and at the conclusion of the study (week 8), the following assessments will be conducted:
Clinical Scores: IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and the 15-item Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).
Biomarkers: Hs-CRP and fecal calprotectin levels analyzed from blood and stool samples.
Objective:
The primary objective is to determine the impact of individualized nutritional counseling on GI symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, fecal calprotectin) during a low-FODMAP diet. Secondary objectives include evaluating the significance of the dietitian's role and observing how lifestyle factors (sleep and physical activity) influence symptom outcomes alongside nutritional therapy.