Is there a sex difference in response to FODMAP diet group education for IBS? A clinical practice service evaluation

Abstract

Background: While the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet, low FODMAP diet (LFD) has demonstrated effectiveness in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, little is known about sex-specific responses to this dietary intervention. Aim: This study evaluates the role of sex differences in symptom improvement following a dietitian-led, group education session on the LFD for IBS patients. Methods: A total of 305 patients, including 249 with a diagnosis of IBS and 56 classified as having suspected IBS, were enrolled in this study (79.7% female). Patients attended two group education sessions on the LFD. Primary outcomes were measured using the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and the Global Symptom Question (GSQ). Secondary outcomes included stool frequency, stool consistency and individual symptoms assessed by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Statistical analyses were performed to compare baseline and follow-up data within and between sexes. Results: Both male and female patients experienced significant reductions in IBS-SSS scores and improvements in GSQ satisfactory relief, stool frequency, stool consistency and individual gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following the LFD (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-sex differences in the extent of symptom relief (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study found no significant sex-based differences in symptom reduction or GI relief following the intervention. These findings suggest that, despite differing symptom profiles and IBS prevalence, both male and female patients achieve similar relief with the LFD group education.