# Effects of meal regularity and snacking frequency on irritable bowel syndrome

## TL;DR

This study explores how eating habits like meal regularity and snacking frequency affect symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi adults.

## Contribution

The study identifies snacking frequency as a novel factor associated with reduced IBS symptom severity.

## Key findings

- Approximately 20-30% of participants reported irregular eating patterns like skipping breakfast.
- Frequent snacking was independently linked to lower IBS symptom severity.
- Chewing difficulty and chronic conditions predicted higher symptom severity.

## Abstract

Dietary practices often trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This study primarily aimed to identify and compare the frequency of different eating behaviors in free-living adults in Saudi Arabia with either self-diagnosed IBS or IBS diagnosed based on Rome IV criteria. The study also examined how irregular eating affects IBS symptom severity.

This cross-sectional study included 204 adults, 106 (52%) with self-diagnosed IBS and 98 (48%) with Rome IV-defined IBS. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, IBS diagnosis (using Rome IV criteria), IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS), and eating patterns.

Irregular eating patterns were similarly reported in both groups. Dietary practices such as not eating meals on a regular schedule and skipping breakfast were reported by approximately 20 and 30% of the participants in each group, respectively. In the regression analysis, frequent snacking was independently associated with lower IBS-SSS, while chewing difficulty, chronic conditions, and type of IBS diagnosis predicted higher severity (adjusted R2 = 0.260, p < 0.001).

Frequent snacking is linked to reduced IBS symptom severity; however, there is a need to consider dietary behaviors alongside comorbid conditions and type of IBS diagnosis in IBS management. Further research into self-diagnosed IBS (a widely prevalent patient group) is required to better understand how these individuals differ from those with a formal diagnosis.