The TANDIM Study

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition that has a big impact on quality of life. IBS and common mental health disorders (like anxiety and depression) are strongly linked. In fact, more than 30% of people with IBS also have anxiety and more than 20% have depression. Changing your diet can be very helpful for improving IBS symptoms. An alternative dietary approach, investigated in this study, has been found to improve depressive symptoms. The diet may also have positive effects for the gut microbiome (the micro-organisms found in the gut), which is also important in IBS.

How the study was done
The study aimed to recruit 60 participants, aged between 18 and 65 years, with IBS and current anxiety or depressive symptoms.  The study was conducted via online Zoom videoconferencing and telephone. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups for six weeks. In one group individuals followed the study diet and in the other group individuals continued their usual diet. We collected information about medical history, psychological and gastrointestinal symptoms, and diet. Participants were also required to provide stool samples on two occasions.

Study aims
This study aimed to test if this diet can be followed and is acceptable for people with IBS and current symptoms of anxiety or depression. We also wanted to understand whether it could improve gut as well as mental health symptoms, and how it might do this.

Study results

To find out more about the study results, click here to read our blog post, or click here to read the published article.