Carbohydrate Reduction and Impact on Gastrointestinal System

Title : A pilot single blind randomised controlled trial of the effect of a diet low in poorly digested carbohydrates on gastrointestinal form and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients Acronym: CRAIGS Short title: Carbohydrate reduction and impact on gastrointestinal system Chief Investigator: Prof Robin Spiller Objectives: The purpose of this study is to: * Investigate the proportion of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who report moderate or substantial improvement in their symptoms after 2 weeks of following a diet low in Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) compared to patients who are on their habitual diet. * Determine the difference in colonic volume of IBS patients receiving immediate low FODMAP dietary intervention after 2 weeks compared to patients who are not on the diet (delayed dietary intervention). * Investigate the changes in self-reported food intolerance that occurs before dietary intervention. Trial Configuration: 2-arm, parallel group, randomised, controlled trial Setting : Research clinic within NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, Secondary care