IBS Management Study: the Low FODMAP Diet vs. VSL#3

Does the low FODMAP diet have you down? We’re not surprised. Although it’s a popular way to mitigate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, as well as other gut issues, it can be extremely challenging to follow. As rigid as the low FODMAP diet is, the fact that it has been shown to give symptom relief to many can make it an attractive option. But if you’re suffering from a condition like IBS or other gut issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, you want the best choice for dealing with those symptoms. It may be the low FODMAP diet; however, there’s another option you should consider. A recent study showed an easier, more convenient approach that offers benefits similar to those of a low-FODMAP diet without some of the downsides. It comes from a probiotic brand that’s been the subject of over 40 studies in the past five years and is sold in over 40 countries worldwide. But before we get there, let’s go over what the low FODMAP diet is, what it’s intended to do, and why someone might want to be on it in the first place.
There are all sorts of reasons why someone might be experiencing gut discomfort or pain, including IBS. IBS can cause bloating, constipation, frequent restroom use, and other discomforting issues. However, symptoms can vary from person to person. There’s a wide range of factors that might put someone at risk for IBS, including stress, genetics, and being female. But for most people with serious gut issues, diet plays a crucial role in these symptoms. Mitigating and managing the effects of IBS is where the low FODMAP diet comes in. But what is it?
FODMAPs are a group of carbs that our bodies, specifically our small intestine, have a harder time digesting. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Keeping the consumption of these carbs low is the main function of this diet, and it has been shown to mitigate symptoms like constipation, gas, bloating, and other gut issues, in some people. Unfortunately, the diet restricts a wide range of foods, such as milk and dairy products, many fruits such as peaches, bananas, and apples, vegetables like cabbage, green beans, and broccoli, and grains including wheat and barley. It’s why the low FODMAP diet isn’t always for everyone - cutting out a vast number of staple whole foods is very hard to maintain, and anyone on the low FODMAP diet risks not getting enough of some essential daily nutrients, like fiber, zinc, iron, vitamins B and D, and natural antioxidants. Also, it’s really not much fun to restrict a diet so heavily! In addition, there’s a lack of research on the long-term effects of the low FODMAP diet and how it may negatively impact the metabolism and intestinal microbiota.
But if you’re thinking about trying low FODMAP or have been and it’s not working for you, you’re in luck because there’s an alternative! According to a 2021 study, our high-potency medical food probiotic, VSL#3®, has been shown to have efficacy similar to that of the low FODMAP diet1. So much so that it can be considered an alternative or supplement for the low FODMAP diet. Which is great news! Instead of eating an extremely limiting diet with low nutrients and few staple foods, you could take the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended multi-strain probiotics brand for the dietary management of IBS, UC, and other serious gut issues, VSL#3®! But what is VSL#3® exactly? Is it a supplement? A drug? Nope!
VSL#3® is a probiotic medical food. Medical foods are specifically formulated for managing conditions with specific nutritional needs that cannot be met by a regular diet alone. They are intended to be used under medical supervision but do not require a subscription. VSL#3® is specifically formulated for the dietary management of IBS, UC, and pouchitis. Each capsule of VSL#3® is packed with 112.5 billion CFU of beneficial bacteria. CFU, or Colony Forming Units, measures how many viable bacteria cells are in a probiotic. In addition to being potent, our scientifically developed formula contains 8 complementary strains from different genera, chosen for their beneficial properties.
VSL#3® is stored and shipped under refrigerated conditions to ensure maximum viability (although it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks with no noticeable loss in potency). We recommend taking VSL#3® with a cold beverage or food (like yogurt) to ensure the beneficial bacteria stays alive.
What else is great about taking VSL#3® instead of following the low FODMAP diet? VSL#3® is made without any ingredients you have to worry about if you have other dietary restrictions or intolerances. Unlike some competitors, VSL#3® is made without dairy, which can cause bloating and gas, so you don’t have to worry about VSL#3® triggering any of those symptoms. And if you follow other diets or have Celiac disease, this product is both vegan and gluten-free. It’s also produced with no nuts, soy, or GMOs. It’s kosher and halal-certified, too! Beyond our capsules, we also offer two other versions of VSL#3®, VSL#3® Powder, which contains 450 Billion CFU per packet, and VSL#3® DS (double strength) Powder, our most potent product at 900 Billion CFU per packet. Ask your physician if you’re wondering which potency and dosage is best for you.
If you aren’t looking to manage IBS or other serious gut issues but want to support regularity and healthy digestion*, check out our probiotic supplement VSL4 Gut™, made with the same 8 strains found in VSL#3® but at lower potency and with a different ratio of bacterial strains.
See which VSL product is right for your gut!
References: 1. Ankersen et al. J Med Internet Res 2021