Assessing dietary intake and IBS symptoms using a food frequency questionnaire

Reliability of a Food Frequency Questionnaire in the Assessment of Dietary Intake Including FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) in Different Populations, and Relationship With IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) Symptoms and the Degree of Self-assessed Physical Activity

This study is testing a new food questionnaire to see how well it helps people, including those with IBS, understand their diet and its impact on their symptoms.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 400 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: Chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (Jette, Brussels Capital)
• Trial ID: NCT05293769 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the reliability of a newly developed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in assessing dietary intake, including FODMAPs, among different populations. Participants will complete online questionnaires regarding their demographics, psychological variables, self-assessed physical activity, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The study aims to validate the FFQ by recruiting university students, staff, and community members, as well as IBS patients from a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Data will be collected through the FFQ and a 4-day food diary to understand the relationship between diet and IBS symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 to 65 living in Belgium, including those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with known eating disorders, major psychiatric disorders, or significant gastrointestinal diseases other than IBS may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary assessment methods for IBS patients, leading to better management of their symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary assessments in IBS have been explored, the specific use of this FFQ in diverse populations is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 65 years;
* Provide written informed consent;
* Living in Belgium

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diet \< 8 weeks prior to participation;
* Known or suspected eating disorder;
* Major psychiatric disorder;
* Known gastro-intestinal disease (IBS is allowed);
* Any malignancy in the past 3 years (basocellular carcinoma is allowed);
* Chemotherapy in the past 6 months;
* Infectious gastro-enteritis in the past 6 months (infectious gastro-enteritis defined as the concurrent presence of one of the following signs during 2 or more consecutive days: fever, vomiting, sudden onset of diarrhea, hospitalization because of these symptoms);
* Previous abdominal surgery (appendectomy and cholecystectomy are allowed);
* Alcohol abuse defined as \> 14 U per week;
* Use of illicit drugs;
* Intake of drugs with known major gastro-intestinal side effects.
* Initiation of neuromodulators less than 3 months before participation. Neuromodulators are allowed when taken at a stable dose for at least 3 months;
* Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Jette, Brussels Capital

• UZ Brussel — Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sébastien Kindt

Conditions Irritable Bowel Syndrome