Efficacy of an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet in the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Narrative Review

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is highly prevalent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The eradication of bacterial overgrowth with antibiotics is the first-line treatment. However, focusing only on the antimicrobial effects without taking care to improve lifestyle factors, especially dietary patterns, may predispose patients to intestinal microbiota dysfunction. The objective of this study is to determine whether the current recommendations regarding nutrition in IBS are suitable for patients with SIBO. A narrative literature review was carried out using databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Recent studies indicate that dietary manipulation may have a role in alleviating SIBO gastrointestinal symptoms. A low FODMAP diet proposed for IBS may promote a negative shift in the gut microbiota and deepen the existing state of dysbiosis in SIBO patients. Supplementation with soluble fiber can lessen the symptoms in IBS and SIBO. Targeted probiotic therapy may also increase the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment and regulate bowel movements. Therefore, optimal dietary patterns play a key role in the treatment of SIBO. Based on currently available literature, the potential efficacy of the IBS diet in SIBO is largely hypothetical. Future research is needed to characterize a specific diet for the treatment of SIBO.

Automated summary

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Antibiotic treatment is the first-line approach, but focusing solely on antimicrobial effects without considering lifestyle factors and dietary patterns may lead to intestinal microbiota dysfunction. Recent studies suggest that dietary manipulation can alleviate SIBO gastrointestinal symptoms, but the efficacy of the IBS diet in SIBO remains largely hypothetical and further research is needed to establish a specific diet for SIBO treatment.