CompletedNot Applicable

Digitally Delivered Dietary Treament for Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Sweden32 participantsStarted 2024-05-02

Plain-language summary

Two carbohydrate reduced diets, the low FODMAP diet (LFD) and low-carbohydrate diet (LCD), have in randomized controlled studies shown efficacy in relieving symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but access to trained dieticians is limited. Digital delivery may offer a convenient, cost-effective and scalable solution. This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of digitally delivered evidence-based dietary treatments in relieving gastrointestinal, psychological and somatic symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with IBS. Adults with IBS will be recruited via social media and clinical referrals and will receive their choice of the two dietary treatments: LFD with traditional IBS dietary advice or LCD. Participants will get access to the digital platform which contains information about the study, IBS pathophysiology, the treatment diet along with recipes and a mobile application for food scanning. Participants will complete digital questionnaires at baseline and week four to evaluate changes in gastrointestinal symptoms (IBS-SSS), somatic and psychological symptoms (PHQ-15, HADS, VSI) and quality of life (IBS-QoL). Feasibility and adherence is assessed with an evaluation questionnaire.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with IBS (Rome IV) by physician * Age 18-64 * Ability to read and understand Swedish * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Received dietary treatmen for IBS previously * Manifestations of other conditions that may explain gastrointestinal symptoms * Manifestation of other serious medical conditions * Patients with ongoing eating disorders * Pregnant/lactating women

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of patients with significant gastrointestinal symtom reduction

Timeframe: From baseline vs 4 weeks after starting digital dietary treatment.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07607132

SponsorSahlgrenska University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-04-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Irritable Bowel Syndrome trials