Effects of dietary fibre in IBS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Microbiological and physiological effects of dietary supplementation with fibre in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
235580
Contact name
Kevin Whelan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal tract affecting between 10-15% of the UK population. IBS is characterised by regular abdominal pain and a change in stool form (e.g., diarrhoea or constipation) and frequency. There is evidence to suggest that dietary fibre may relieve symptoms in patients with IBS. For example, certain types of dietary fibre have been shown to increase ‘beneficial’ bacteria in the gut, whilst other types of dietary fibre may help normalise bowel movements (e.g., transit time, stool form and frequency). However, current fibre recommendations in IBS are limited and conflicting due to the different types of fibres used, their physiology and their functions in different sub-groups of IBS. Given these limitations, we believe the potential of dietary fibre in IBS as a low-cost management strategy is underestimated. In addition, there is currently very limited understanding of the different actions of dietary fibre in the gut which this study aims to address.
Collectively, this study will investigate microbiological and physiological effects of dietary fibre and whether this relieves symptoms of IBS. This study will be the first to investigate novel combinations of different dietary fibres that may be better tolerated in those with IBS: 1) supplement form: inulin+psyllium, 2) plant-based form: nopal (cactus). Both will be in powdered form. Furthermore, a computer algorithm that has recently been developed by our group may help separate responders and non-responders of fibre, potentially paving the way towards personalised treatment plans.
Patients diagnosed with IBS will be recruited from outpatient clinics and will be randomised to receive either dietary fibre (supplement form: inulin+psyllium), dietary fibre (plant-based form: nopal) or placebo (Dextrose). The intervention period is 8 weeks. A total of 135 patients will be recruited (45 from the UK, 90 from Mexico).The current study is a collaboration between King’s College London and the University of Veracruz. This grant specifically funds partnership working between the UK and Mexico based researchers, and funding was awarded on the condition that the study must contribute to the economic development and welfare of Mexico.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
18/WA/0313
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion