Relationship between genetics and carbohydrate intolerance amongst those with IBS explored in new study

New analysis looking into the connection between bowel complications and carbohydrate intolerance in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was launched last year.

 Entitled the GenMalCarb Project, the study used genetic profiling and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine how bowel problems and carbohydrate intolerance impact people with IBS.

 According to the report, IBS is the most conventional gastrointestinal condition, with more than 10 per cent of adults developing the disorder. Food intake and genetics can trigger the development of IBS, the study has identified.

 Prior research has discovered that fragments of the gene coding for sucrase-isomaltase is more likely to be found in those with IBS compared to people without the condition.

 During this trial, researchers assessed whether carbohydrate malabsorption is a factor that triggers IBS.

 Associate Professor of Gastroenterology and referral for functional bowel disorders at the Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Centre, Dr Maura Corsetti said: “IBS patients suffer from abdominal pain, bloating and alterations of bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation or both), and frequently report that certain foods, most often carbohydrates, trigger their symptoms.

 “Unfortunately, this can be attributed to psychological aversion to food rather than a specific intolerance.”

Mauro D’Amato, Ikerbasque Research Professor and head of the Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab at CIC bioGUNE, said: “Recognising that some patients experience IBS symptoms due to genetic defects in their SI gene holds great potential for personalised treatment, eventually based on dietary changes and specific carbohydrate-restricted diets.”

 Andy Wragg, Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) Facilitator at NIHR Nottingham BRC (Gastrointestinal & Liver), said: “People who live with this condition, and indeed their partners & communities, can provide us with insight that we are unable to source from anyone else.”

 This study was launched in December 2021 by the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.

 To find out more, click here.