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

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.