Management of bile acid malabsorption using low-fat dietary interventions: a useful strategy applicable to some patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome?

Clin Med (Lond). 2015 Dec;15(6):536-40. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.15-6-536.

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of low-fat dietary interventions in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms due to bile acid malabsorption. In total, 40 patients with GI symptoms and a 7-day (75)selenium homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) scan result of <20%, were prospectively recruited and then advised regarding a low-fat dietary intervention. Before and after dietary intervention, patients rated their GI symptoms using a 10-point numerical scale, and recorded their intake in 7-day dietary diaries. After dietary intervention, the median scores for all GI symptoms decreased, with a significant reduction for urgency, bloating, lack of control, bowel frequency (p ≥: 0.01). Mean dietary fat intake reduced to 42 g fat after intervention (p ≥: 0.01). Low-fat dietary interventions in patients with a SeHCAT scan result of <20% leads to clinically important improvement in GI symptoms and should be widely used.

Keywords: Bile acid malabsorption; SeHCAT; low-fat diet.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism*
  • Diarrhea / complications
  • Diarrhea / diet therapy*
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diet therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Steatorrhea / complications
  • Steatorrhea / diet therapy*
  • Taurocholic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Taurocholic Acid
  • 23-seleno-25-homotaurocholic acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Bile Acid Malabsorption, Primary