Have IBS-D and getting no relief from a low FODMAP diet?

Have IBS-D and getting no relief from a low FODMAP diet? This recent research article suggests that it could be the result of your genes! 

Last year, Zheng & colleagues conducted a small study (involving 46 participants) to evaluate the effectiveness of the low fodmap diet. They paid particular attention to a group of surcase-isomaltase (SI) gene variants linked to an increased risk of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

SI is an enzyme that breaks down sucrose and starch.  

Starch and sucrose are not specifically restricted in a standard low FODMAP diet. 

In IBS-D (predominantly diarrhoea) patients carrying the SI genes (23 participants), there was less enzyme activity breaking down starch and sucrose, which resulted in further fermentation and diarrhoea. 

The researchers concluded that in IBS-D patients carrying the SI genes, there is a 3-4-fold reduction in the likelihood of symptom relief from the low FODMAP diet. 

The genetic variants we are talking about are not widespread, but it could signal BAD news for IBS-D carriers because there are potentially even more foods they should avoid. 

For those carrying this gene variant, cutting out white sugar (sucrose) may be an alternative to cutting out all fodmaps. 

Want to read more? Read the full article here.