Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which result from abnormal gut-brain interaction, are characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., diarrhea or constipation). The most common of these disorders is irritable bowel syndrome.
Quick Answer
What it is
Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which result from abnormal gut-brain interaction, are characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., diarrhea or constipation). The most common of these disorders is irritable bowel syndrome.
Key findings
- Grade N/A: Abdominal Pain (Lactobacillus reuteri)
Safety
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which result from abnormal gut-brain interaction, are characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., diarrhea or constipation).
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Supplements Studied:1
- Total Participants:702
- Top Supplement:Lactobacillus reuteri (C)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Modulates gut microbiome; reduces symptoms in IBS and other FGIDs; strain-specific effects
Antispasmodic; reduces abdominal pain and bloating in IBS; must be enteric-coated
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Soluble fiber regulates bowel function; better tolerated than insoluble fiber in IBS
Supports gut barrier function; may help with leaky gut; studied for IBS-D
May help with bloating from carbohydrate maldigestion; lactase for lactose intolerance
Prokinetic; helps with nausea and gastroparesis symptoms
May help with functional dyspepsia and IBS symptoms
Demulcent; soothes GI tract; traditional remedy for digestive symptoms
Deficiency common in IBS; supplementation may reduce symptoms
How It Works
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are conditions where the GI tract doesn't function properly, but no structural abnormality is found. The most common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but the category includes functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, functional bloating, and others.
COMMON FGIDs:
ROME IV CRITERIA are used for diagnosis.
LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT:
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
* Probiotics have the strongest evidence for IBS - specific strains like Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.
* Peppermint oil (enteric-coated) reduces abdominal pain and is recommended in guidelines.
* Psyllium fiber helps regulate bowel function.
* Ginger helps with nausea and motility.
Expected timeline: Supplements typically show benefit within 2-8 weeks. FGIDs are chronic conditions requiring ongoing management.
Supplements for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (30)
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