Food-Specific IgG Guided Elimination Diet; Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are disorders of the digestive system in which symptoms cannot be explained by the presence of structural or tissue abnormality1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one example of a FGID and, with prevalence ranging from 12-30% in the general population, IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders2. IBS is typically characterized by abdominal pain, abdominal distension (bloating) and abnormal bowel habits and the diagnosis of IBS is based on symptoms and the exclusion of other organic diseases. Subtypes of IBS are defined by symptoms and a distinction is made between IBS with pain or discomfort and predominant constipation, IBS with diarrhea, and mixed IBS. There is no cure for IBS and management of IBS can only focus on symptom relief 3. This article reviews the evidence behind a potential role for IgG-guided elimination diet for those with IBS