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Therapeutics
Review: soluble fibre improves overall symptoms and constipation but not abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.9.6.172

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    Bijkerk CJ, Muris JW, Knottnerus JA, et al. Systematic review: the role of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;19:245–51.
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 Q In patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), does dietary fibre relieve symptoms?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ IM/Ambulatory care ★★★★★☆☆ Gastroenterology ★★★★★☆☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    Medline (1966–2002) and reference lists.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    English language randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of dietary fibre in patients with IBS. Exclusion: studies that combined fibre and drug treatment.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    global IBS symptoms, IBS related abdominal pain, and IBS related constipation.

    MAIN RESULTS

    17 studies (1363 patients) met the selection criteria. 9 studies used soluble fibre, and 8 used insoluble fibre. Study duration ranged from 3–52 weeks (mean 12 wks) in 16 studies; 1 study did not report duration. Studies were combined using a fixed effects model. Fibre improved overall IBS symptoms and IBS related constipation but not IBS related …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Dr J W Muris, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Jean.murishag.unimaas.nl

    • Source of funding: not stated