Impact of Diet on Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms

TriHealth Inc.1,881 enrolled

Overview

This cross-sectional survey study is to determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in the general population and to describe common triggers for food-related GI symptoms.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, involving symptoms such as gas/bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, are estimated to impact between 35 and 45 million Americans, an overwhelming 15-20% of the population. These symptoms are responsible for upwards of 20 billion dollars in healthcare costs and extensive loss of quality of life for sufferers. Moreover, many patients suffer in silence, with 67% of subjects waiting more than a year before treatment, and 11% waiting over 10 years. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder, and several recent studies support the idea that dietary modifications may be key to alleviating this condition. The purpose of this study is to document gastrointestinal symptoms among the US population, as well as to ascertain awareness and utilization of dietary treatments that exist.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

1,881

Conditions

Gastrointestinal Disorder, Functional

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: \- Exclusion Criteria: * Visual impairment * Inability to read * Inability to understand English * Inability to use a computer to respond to questions.

Locations (1)

Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Most Common Triggers for Food-related GI Symptoms (Top 5)

Percentages for foods chosen as triggers ( a subject can check more than one answer - Bread, Oats, Chili, Corn, Onion, Garlic, Beans, Chocolate, Fried or greasy foods, Eggs, Soy, Red meat, Fish or shellfish, Dairy products, Nuts and seeds, Apples, Bananas, Citrus fruit, Alcohol, Coffee, Carbonated drinks, Sugar-free gum)

Time frame: During the past 3 months before the survey

Secondary Outcomes

Self-reported Functional GI Disorders

Percentages of self-reported functional GI disorders ( a subject can check more than one answer - Acid reflux (GERD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulities, Gastroparesis, Leaky gut, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), None of the above)

Time frame: During the past 3 months before the survey

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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