Impact of Enhanced Dietary Education Program on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Multicenter Prospective Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: The association between diet and triggering the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has been well recognized. This study aims to evaluate the impact of enhanced dietary education (EDE) on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with FGIDs.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective pilot study. Subjects diagnosed with FGIDs were allocated to either ‘EDE’ group or ‘standard dietary education (SDE)’ group. Simplified EDE program developed by the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility was used for the dietary guidance. Routine prescription of medications was allowed and the symptoms were compared between ‘EDE’ and ‘SDE’ group after 4 weeks. Subjects with SDE group also received EDE after 4 weeks and the pre-post change of symptoms was assessed in each group. The degree of gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated using the Korean version of validated questionnaires. The 36-item Short Form survey was used for the measurement of health-related quality of life.

Results: In total, 91 subjects (65 in ‘EDE’/26 in ‘SDE’ group) were included (27 were lost to follow-up). There was no significant difference in the symptom scores or health-related life quality scores between ‘EDE’ and ‘SDE’ group at 4 weeks. Pre-post change in these scores was not significant without education. However, pre-post decrease in symptom scores and increase of health-related life quality scores were significant after EDE in subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional constipation.

Conclusion: Although, EDE has the potential to help improving the symptoms in patients with FGIDs, further research is needed to prove the usefulness of this program.