IBS Management Study: the Low FODMAP Diet vs. VSL#3
Living with IBS can make everyday eating feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out which foods might trigger your symptoms. If you've been considering the low FODMAP diet or looking for other IBS management approaches, you're not alone.
Recent research has uncovered some promising news: A 2021 clinical study found that certain probiotic treatments could be just as effective as dietary changes for managing IBS symptoms.
In this article, we'll cover:
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What the low FODMAP diet involves and how it affects IBS symptoms
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Clear findings from a year-long study comparing diet and probiotic approaches
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How to decide which IBS management approach might work best for you
Let’s start by explaining what the low FODMAP diet is.
The low FODMAP diet explained
Have you ever wondered why certain foods seem to trigger your digestive symptoms more than others? The answer might lie in something called FODMAPs –– this is a group of carbohydrates that can be hard for your body to process.
These small carbohydrates, known as Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols, are found in many common foods we eat every day. According to research, we typically consume between 15-30 grams of FODMAPs daily through our regular diet. While most people can handle these carbohydrates without issues, they can cause problems for those with IBS.
When FODMAPs reach your digestive system, they draw water into your intestines and are quickly fermented by gut bacteria, creating gas –– this combination of extra water and gas is what often leads to bloating and discomfort in those with IBS.
What is the most common FODMAP trigger?
Wheat and other gluten-containing grains are among the most common FODMAP triggers. This is due to their high content of fructans, a type of FODMAP that can be difficult for many people to digest. However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
How does the low FODMAP diet work?
The low FODMAP diet is a structured approach that helps identify which specific FODMAPs affect you personally. The process typically involves:
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An initial 4-8 week period where you reduce high-FODMAP foods
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A careful reintroduction phase to test your tolerance to different FODMAPs
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A personalized long-term plan based on what you learn about your triggers
Evidence for low FODMAP vs. probiotic treatment
A 2021 research study compared these two approaches by following 34 people with IBS for a full year to see which treatment worked better –– the low FODMAP diet or VSL#3®, a probiotic medical food.
Medical foods are specifically formulated for managing conditions with specific nutritional needs that cannot be met by a regular diet alone. They are intended to be used under medical supervision but do not require a prescription.
VSL#3® is specifically formulated for managing IBS symptoms and contains 8 different strains of beneficial bacteria, with 450 billion bacteria per dose. Each strain was chosen for its potential benefits in supporting digestive health.
What the research found:
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Both treatments helped about the same number of people –– 57% felt better with the low FODMAP diet, while 62% improved with VSL#3®
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People who did well with VSL#3® needed about 3 treatments spread across the year to keep feeling better
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Most people who succeeded with the low FODMAP diet were able to add foods back into their diet while still managing their symptoms
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Both approaches helped reduce IBS symptoms by similar amounts
Why this matters: The study showed that both options can work well for managing IBS symptoms. For some people, taking VSL#3® every couple of months might be easier than following a restricted diet.
For others, learning to adjust their diet through the low FODMAP approach might feel more natural.
Having two effective options means people with IBS can work with their healthcare providers to choose what fits best with their lifestyle.
Making the right choice for you: VSL#3® or FODMAP diet
Living with IBS means finding a management approach that works for your unique situation. Whether you're considering the low FODMAP diet or VSL#3®, the key is finding a sustainable solution that fits your lifestyle.
What is not allowed on FODMAP?
The low FODMAP diet temporarily restricts several common food groups while you identify your personal triggers. During this phase, you'll need to avoid most dairy products, wheat-based foods, and certain fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon.
The diet also excludes many everyday vegetables such as onions, garlic, and mushrooms, along with legumes, beans, and foods containing high-fructose corn syrup.
This is why you’ll need to think about how much time you can realistically dedicate to managing your symptoms. The low FODMAP diet requires careful meal planning and food tracking, while VSL#3® offers a more straightforward approach.
Consider your usual eating habits, including how often you cook at home versus eating out. Most importantly, reflect on your current symptoms and when they typically occur, as this information will help guide your choice.
Working with healthcare providers
Your healthcare provider is an essential partner in your IBS management journey. Before your next appointment, try tracking your symptoms for at least two weeks. This information gives your provider a clear picture of your experiences and helps them make more informed recommendations.
During your visit, discuss both treatment options openly, including any concerns about implementing them in your daily life. Be honest about your lifestyle needs and any limitations that might affect your ability to follow either approach.
Next steps
While the low FODMAP diet has helped many manage their IBS symptoms, its restrictive nature can make it challenging to maintain long-term. The good news is that research shows there's another way.
VSL#3®, a medical food probiotic, offers similar benefits without the need to eliminate your favorite foods or worry about complex meal planning. Whether you're looking for an alternative to the low FODMAP diet or seeking to enhance your current approach, VSL#3® provides a scientifically-proven solution for managing your gut health.
Why choose VSL#3®?
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Clinical studies show VSL#3® matches the success rate of the low FODMAP diet, with 62% of users experiencing significant symptom improvement
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Each dose delivers 450 billion beneficial bacteria across 8 carefully selected strains, providing powerful gut support without the need for dietary restrictions
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As the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended multi-strain probiotic brand†, VSL#3® is manufactured under strict quality controls and shipped refrigerated to ensure maximum potency
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VSL#3® is free from common allergens including dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts. VSL#3® is suitable for various dietary needs and is both kosher and halal-certified
Managing IBS doesn't have to mean constantly watching what you eat. If you're finding the FODMAP diet challenging to maintain, VSL#3® offers a simpler way to manage your symptoms. Many people have found relief without the stress of strict dietary changes.
Ready to try something different? Talk with your healthcare provider about whether VSL#3® could work for you, or visit our website to learn more about how it fits into your daily routine.
See which VSL product is right for your gut.
If you aren’t looking to manage IBS or other serious gut issues but want to support regularity and healthy digestion*, check out our probiotic supplement VSL4 Gut™, made with the same 8 strains found in VSL#3® but at lower potency and with a different ratio of bacterial strains.
Sources
† ProVoice® Surveys
Low FODMAP Diet: Evidence, Doubts, and Hopes