Global Dietary Patterns Influence Severity of IBS: CGH, March 2026

The role of habitual diet in the global epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains incompletely understood. In this large international analysis from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, investigators evaluated whether regional dietary patterns are associated with variations in IBS prevalence and symptom severity.

A total of 54,127 participants from 26 countries completed questionnaires assessing Rome IV IBS criteria and frequency of intake of 10 food groups. Using latent class analysis, researchers identified four distinct dietary pattern clusters. These clusters demonstrated significant differences in both IBS prevalence and symptom severity.

Clusters A (5.6%) and B (4.5%) had the highest IBS prevalence and symptom severity, and were largely represented by countries such as Egypt, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Germany, Poland, and the United States. In contrast, clusters C (3.4%) and D (2.6%), predominantly from Europe and Asian countries, showed lower IBS prevalence and milder symptoms.

These findings suggest that regional dietary habits may contribute to global variations in IBS burden. Understanding population-specific dietary patterns may help design culturally appropriate dietary interventions for IBS management worldwide.