Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla and Faculty of Food Technology, University of J. J. Strossmayer Osijek
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders with a very strong psychosomatic component in the etiology. The prevalence is higher in women and many IBS patients say that food triggers their symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBS symptoms (GSRS-IBS questionnaire) and the role of diet and dietary habits on IBS symptoms in adults. An observational online study with the study-specific questionnaire was completed by 109 adults (84.4% women, 15.6% men), average age 26 years (21-63 years). 12.8% of study participants had high IBS score (44-75 points). Participants with high IBS score tend to overeat (93.0% sometimes, 7.0% always) and skip meals (36.0%) which was proven to worsen IBS symptoms. Coffee consumption also worsens IBS symptoms, as well as the consumption of all drinks (without water) and sweets. IBS score was higher in participants who said that some food provokes symptoms. Beans (lentil, pea, bean) were proven to increase the risk for high IBS score, while strong spices (soup cube, chilli, curry) increase the risk of high IBS only in women (univariate logistic regression)