💡 This study investigates the role of baseline gut microbiota composition in shaping the response of individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to a partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) intervention.
The study aimed to explore changes in microbiota diversity, IBS symptom severity scores (IBS-SSS), differential microbiome composition, tolerability, and quality of life during a 90-day intervention and follow-up.
📍 Methods:
Patients underwent a 90-day intervention with PHGG, and their responses were monitored. Microbiome diversity was assessed using the Shannon Index. IBS symptom severity was measured using the IBS-SSS. Microbiome composition was analyzed, and tolerability was assessed based on patient-reported experiences. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 assessment tool.
📍 Key Findings:
📌 Microbiome Diversity: Low baseline diversity in 61% of patients; normal diversity in 39%. Significant increase in Shannon Index in low diversity group during intervention (p = 0.0164).
📌 IBS Symptom Severity Scores: Normal diversity group showed significant reductions in IBS-SSS at day 30 (35%), day 90 (47%), and day 120 (36%).
Low diversity group did not exhibit significant reductions compared to baseline. Positive correlation (R2 = 0.493) between Shannon Index and symptom response in normal diversity group.
📌 Differential Microbiome Composition: 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢, 𝘖𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 significantly more abundant in normal diversity group. 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘍𝘢𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮, 𝘍. 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘻𝘪𝘪, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗. 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪 more abundant in low diversity group.
📌 Tolerability: PHGG well-tolerated, with slight variations in taste, swallowability, and overall consumption between diversity groups. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including flatulence and bloating, reported but generally not severe.
📌 Quality of Life: Significant improvement in various SF-36 subscales in normal diversity group, sustained during follow-up. Normal diversity group exhibited better tolerability and less severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
📍 Results underscore the significance of baseline gut microbiota diversity in influencing the response to PHGG intervention in IBS patients. Normal diversity individuals experienced substantial and sustained improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
📍 Microbiome composition differences, particularly the abundance of specific taxa, further highlight the potential role of certain microbes in mediating the response to dietary fiber intervention.
📍 The study emphasizes the need for personalized approaches in IBS management, considering the individual’s gut microbiota profile.
Link to the Article : https://tinyurl.com/5xyskyjy
