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Clinical Nutrition (Poster Session)

(P25-047-25) The Lifestyle Eating and Performance Dietary Approach for Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Monday, June 2, 2025
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM ET
Location: Poster Board D-100

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Gustavo Zarini, PhD, RDN

    Director of Clinical and Scientific Research
    Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc.
    Riviera Beach, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • MM

    Michael McLean, Ph.D.

    Director of Laboratory and Technology
    Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc.
    Riviera Beach, Florida, United States

  • AJ

    Abby Johnson

    Harmony Nutrition & Harmony Wellness Partners, United States

  • CL

    Courtney Lee, MS, RDN

    Courtney Lee RD, United States

  • AS

    Amanda Savoury

    Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc., United States

Disclosure(s):
Gustavo Zarini, PhD, RDN: Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc.: Employee (Ongoing)


Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of the Lifestyle Eating and Performance (LEAP) program in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective study (NCT05178017) that included 43 adults diagnosed with IBS-predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS-mixed (IBS-M). Blood samples were collected to conduct the in-vitro Leukocyte Activation Assay (LAA-MRT) using Sony Dual-Mode Flow Cytometry Systems. LEAP is a dietary approach based on the principles of the oligoantigenic diet, which is prepared using the LAA-MRT test results. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) implemented the LEAP program virtually in phases by removing moderate to high immuno-reactive foods and chemicals from the diet. The Global Gastrointestinal Symptom Survey (GGSS) was utilized to assess the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. The GGSS contains ten items: (1) heartburn/reflux; (2) stomach pains/cramps; (3) intestinal pains/ cramps; (4) constipation; (5) diarrhea; (6) bloating sensation; (7) gas (of any kind); (8) nausea; (9) vomiting; (10) painful elimination. Participants self-reported their symptoms using a scale from 0 to 4. The total score ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 40 points, with higher scores indicating worse gastrointestinal outcomes.

Results: The average age of the participants was 49.0±16.2 years, with a BMI of 25.1± 5.8 kg/m2, and 37 participants (86.0%) were female. After completing the 12-week LEAP intervention, there was a significant reduction in overall GSSS scores from 18.1±8.0 to 5.2±5.2, t(42)=10.8, p< 0.001, 95% CI (10.5, 15.4), d=1.6. Additionally, the percentage of participants using prescribed IBS medications decreased from 27.9% pre-intervention to 11.6% post-intervention, p=0.039, and over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications decreased from 18.6% to 2.3%, p=0.016.

Conclusions: The LEAP program provides a personalized nutrition approach for managing IBS symptoms. The findings of this study are promising for clinical practice in treating IBS.

Funding Sources: Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc.