Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 12% of the population and the evidence supporting current medical interventions is poor. There is increasing focus on the therapeutic benefit of diet and supplementation.

A new study published in JGH Open compared dietary composition and hematologic and biochemical markers in those with and without IBS to determine potential targets for therapeutic supplementation.

This population-based study involved screening of data from 17 national surveys in North America, between 1959 and 2019. The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) (1976-1980) provided comprehensive data on IBS. Here, a cross-sectional analysis of hematologic and biochemical markers and dietary composition of 12 295 individuals—aged 18-74, in NHANES II—was conducted.

The results revealed that individuals with IBS had significantly higher copper-zinc ratios and were more likely to have ratios above 1.8pp (p—indicative of underlying copper-zinc imbalance). In addition, they were more likely to report dietary avoidances, and had no other evidence of nutritional deficiencies. Dietary recall showed that those with IBS consumed more calories, were more likely to take vitamin supplements and that their macro and micronutrient intake was not significantly different.

In inference, it was stated that individuals with IBS should be screened for copper-zinc imbalance. Given zincs role in the immune system, the "brain-gut" axis and the gastrointestinal barrier – the identified copper-zinc imbalance may play a role in perpetuating the underlying pathophysiology of IBS.

Source: JGH open. 2020 Feb 12;4(4):656-662. doi: 10.1002/jgh3.12311.