ADHERENCE TO MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND IBS SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENTS

Background and aim: Diet seems to play a role in irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (IBS).We aimed to evaluate, by a qualitative analysis, the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) in adolescents with IBS symptoms classified in their subtypes with prevalent constipation (IBS-c) or diarrhoea (IBS-d). Material and methods: 447 students (M: 293; age range 14-21) were re- cruited and the presence of IBS symptoms was explored by the Roma III questionnaire. Data regarding demographic parameters (weight, height, BMI) were collected. Kidmed test (Serra-Majem L. et al.2004) was performed to evaluate dietary habits. Adherence to the MD was evaluated using the Kidmed score (theoretical range 0-12). Higher Kidmed score (8-12) and lower one (0-3) correspond to greater and lower adherence to the MD respectively. Results: IBS symptoms were found in 59 (27 M) subjects of sample popula- tion. 26 subjects were prevalently IBS-c and 33 IBS-d. Controls (CNT) had an higher adherence (9-12) to MD respect IBS groups (see table, p < 0.05). Subjects with IBS-c and IBS-d had a significant lower (0-3) and medium (4-7) adherence to MD respectively (see table, p < 0.05). Table 1. Kidmed score Kidmed score CNT IBS IBS-c IBS-d 0–3 82 ABC (21%) 12 A (21%) 11 b (42%) 1 c (3%) 4–7 214 ABC (55%) 45 a (76%) 15 B (58%) 30 c (91%) 8–12 92 ABC (24%) 2 a (3%) 0 b (0%) 2 c (6%) TOT 388 59 26 33 In the columns are indicated number of subjects. Capital and small letters are used to express differences between controls and classes of IBS symptoms (total, IBS-c, IBS-d) respectively. Numbers not sharing a common superscript letter are significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A balanced diet like the Mediterranean seems a protective factor against IBS symptoms with same difference between IBS-c and IBS-d. A quantitative analysis of food components needs to evaluate relationships between diet and intestinal symptoms