Overview
- Researchers at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals enrolled 139 adults with IBS, assigning 68 to a Mediterranean-style diet and 71 to traditional dietary guidance.
- Both groups received a 30-minute online education session and emailed materials to support their assigned eating plan.
- At six weeks, 62% of those on the Mediterranean plan reported a significant symptom improvement compared with 42% following traditional advice.
- Study authors describe the Mediterranean approach as a practical first-line option that could simplify care and help shape future IBS guidelines.
- The evidence reflects short-term outcomes in a modest sample, and the researchers note the need for longer studies and comparisons with other strategies such as low-FODMAP.