The low FODMAP diet—which eliminates specific types of fermentable carbohydrates known to trigger IBS symptoms—has shown success in reducing symptoms in more than half of patients
For millions suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dietary management has long offered a promising path to symptom relief. Now, a new study suggests that the Mediterranean diet—a well-known nutritional approach praised for its cardiovascular and cognitive benefits—could also help ease the discomfort associated with this chronic digestive condition.
Researchers from Michigan Medicine in the US have found that the Mediterranean diet may offer a viable and less restrictive alternative to the commonly prescribed low FODMAP diet for managing IBS symptoms. Their findings, published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, bring renewed hope to patients seeking sustainable, evidence-based dietary solutions. IBS, which affects an estimated 4 to 11 percent of the global population, is characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Many patients prefer to manage the condition through diet rather than medication, but finding a regimen that is both effective and practical remains a challenge.
The low FODMAP diet—which eliminates specific types of fermentable carbohydrates known to trigger IBS symptoms—has shown success in reducing symptoms in more than half of patients. However, this diet can be highly restrictive, difficult to follow, and expensive. It also raises concerns about nutritional imbalances and the potential for disordered eating habits.
“Restrictive diets, such as low FODMAP, can be difficult for patients to adopt,” said Dr. Prashant Singh, a gastroenterologist at Michigan Medicine and lead author of the study. “They’re not only costly and time-consuming, but they may also lead to nutrient deficiencies.”
In light of these concerns, Singh and his team explored the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet—a more inclusive eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil. The diet is not based on food elimination and has long been celebrated for promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
In the randomized clinical trial, participants with IBS were divided into two groups: one followed the Mediterranean diet, while the other adhered to the low FODMAP diet. At the end of the trial period, 73 percent of those on the Mediterranean diet reported significant symptom improvement. Meanwhile, 81.8 percent of those on the low FODMAP diet also experienced relief—demonstrating that while the low FODMAP approach may yield slightly stronger results, the Mediterranean diet still offers substantial benefits. “This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the Mediterranean diet could be a useful addition to the menu of dietary options for IBS,” said Dr. William Chey, Chief of Gastroenterology at the University of Michigan and co-author of the study.
Although the low FODMAP group showed greater improvement in abdominal pain intensity and symptom severity, the Mediterranean diet group still experienced meaningful relief—with the added advantage of greater ease and sustainability in everyday life. For IBS patients navigating the often overwhelming world of dietary advice, this study provides a welcome option: a nutritionally rich, less restrictive, and more accessible path to better digestive health.
