As an IBS dietitian I am always reading up on the latest IBS research. On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about allergies and whether or not IBS can be classified as an allergy. Keep reading to learn more!
Is IBS actually an allergy? 😲🤯🧐
While we classify IBS as a functional gut disorder, research is evolving to show that IBS could in fact, involve the immune system.
In fact, in a 2019 study, researchers wanted to see how those with IBS, who did not have IgE mediated allergies, responded to common dietary antigens (foods that are more likely to trigger an immune response). Using a special tool, they were able to, in real-time, measure markers of intestinal permeability, intraepithelial lymphocyte and eosinophil degranulation.
🌟What they found was, ~50% of those tested had a reaction. Of those that had an immune reaction, 61% reacted to wheat, 15% to yeast, 7% of milk, 5% to soy, and 3% to egg.
🌟Those participants then went on to follow an allergen free diet based on their results. Of those that followed the diet, ~70% saw significant symptom benefit.
🌟This research is some of the first showing that in a subset of IBS patients, there appears to be an allergic, non-IgE mediated component!
Stay tuned for my next research brief on a new study examining whether this tool is efficacious in the diagnosis of this!
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.03.046
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