Overview
- The randomized study enrolled 139 adults with IBS, assigning 68 to a Mediterranean-style plan and 71 to traditional dietary advice for six weeks.
- Clinically meaningful symptom improvement was reported by 62% on the Mediterranean diet versus 42% on standard advice, a statistically significant difference.
- Both groups received identical support consisting of a 30-minute online dietitian session plus emailed materials to ensure comparable guidance.
- Authors from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals said the findings may inform future guideline updates, though wider adoption awaits further review.
- The peer-reviewed results were published in Annals of Internal Medicine, with experts noting the trial’s short duration and that it did not compare outcomes with the low-FODMAP diet.