Body and Brain in IBS Study

What is the Body and Brain in IBS study
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gut disorder, associate food with their symptoms. This 6-week long study will investigate the effect of fibre drinks on IBS.

What are we hoping to find?
This study aims to assess the responses to dietary fibre in IBS.

How are we doing this study?
We are recruiting 20 adults from the Geelong and Melbourne regions. Participants will need to have a diagnosis of IBS and have mild to moderate gut symptoms. Participants will need to consume test drinks. Some of the test drinks will contain a fibre called fructans, others will not contain fructans. Participants will be asked to complete a range of questionnaires and keep track of their symptoms.

What does the study involve?
As part of the 6-week study, you will be asked to:

• Attend one in-person study visit and five online study visits
• Complete a range of questionnaires at the in-person visit
• Consume different types of test drinks at home approximately three days of each week.
• Keep track of gut and mental health symptoms daily
• Record food intake four days a week
• Collect breath samples once a week

In return you will:

• Receive a $100 gift card to reimburse you for your time.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Have IBS diagnosed by a GP or gastroenterologist
• Are aged 18-65 years
• Are willing to come to Geelong for one study visit (approx. 1.5 hrs)
• Are familiar with FODMAPs and fructans

Are you interested in participating?
We plan to commence recruitment in mid 2024. If you are interested in learning more about the study, please contact us at bodyandbrainibs@deakin.edu.au

This study is approved by the Deakin University Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 2023-378).