WGO Handbook On: Diet and The Gut

WGO Handbook on
DIET AND THE GUT

World Digestive Health Day
WDHD May 29, 2016
World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)

The WGO Foundation (WGO-F)
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WDHD May 29, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE 2016 CHAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Govind K. Makharia, MD, DM, DNB, MNAMS, India
David S. Sanders, MD, UK
WORLD DIGESTIVE HEALTH DAY 2016 STEERING COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WDHD SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MESSAGE FROM THE WGO PRESIDENT-ELECT AND CHAIR OF THE WGO FOUNDATION AND THE VICE CHAIR OF THE
WGO FOUNDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Cihan Yurdaydin, MD, Turkey, WGO President-Elect and Chair of the WGO Foundation
Richard Hunt, FRCP, FRCPEd, FRCPC, MACG, AGAF, MWGO, UK, Vice Chair, WGO Foundation
UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION, RECOMMENDATION FOR INTAKE AND ROLE IN DISEASE PREVENTION AND
MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Nevin Oruc, MD, PhD, Turkey
WHAT ARE FODMAPS? EVIDENCE FOR USE OF LOW FODMAP DIETS IN GI DISORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Peter Gibson, MD, Australia
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Peter Gibson, MD, Australia
CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE, AND FRUCTOSE): IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT . . . . . . . . . 20

Vipin Gupta, MD, India
Sheila E. Crowe, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FACG, AGAF, USA
FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Sheila E. Crowe, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FACG, AGAF, USA
CELIAC DISEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Carolina Ciacci, MD, Italy
Peter Green, MD, USA
Julio C. Bai, MD, Argentina
2 WGO Handbook on DIET AND THE GUT World Digestive Health Day WDHD May 29, 2016
WDHD May 29, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS, CONTINUED
MANAGING ADULT CELIAC DISEASE IN THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chris J.J. Mulder, MD, PhD, Netherlands
G. Bouma, MD, PhD, Netherlands
EATING DISORDERS AND THE GI TRACT: DEFINITION, RECOGNITION, THE ROLE OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST IN CARE . . . . 41
Simon R. Knowles, MPsyc (Clinical), PhD, Australia
Geoff Hebbard, MBBS, BMedSci, PhD, Australia
David Castle, MbChB, MSc, MD, Australia
PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS FOR GUT HEALTH: THE ESSENTIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Yeong Yeh Lee, MD, PhD, FRCP, FACG, Malaysia
Min Tze Liong, PhD, Malaysia
Khean Lee Goh, MBBS, MD, FRCP, FASGE, FACG, Malaysia
THE HUMAN GUT MICROBIOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Alessio Fasano, MD, USA
GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION NUTRIENT PROFILE MODEL
TO PREVENT GROWING OBESITY INCIDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Natalie Nabon Dansilio, MD, Uruguay
THE GUT RESPONSE TO FOOD; A PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON FOOD-INDUCED

GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Eamonn M.M. Quigley, MD, FRCP, FACP, MACG, FRCDI, USA
World Digestive Health Day WDHD May 29, 2016 WGO Handbook on DIET AND THE GUT 3
WDHD May 29, 2016
YOUR DIET AND GUT HEALTH

Dear Colleagues,
For some time the public have been asking us about the relationship between what we eat and the subsequent development
of gastrointestinal symptoms. One good example of this is celiac disease, which affects 1% of the population with the damage
occurring in the gut as a result of eating gluten, a protein present in the wheat. More recently a new entity is emerging termed
non-celiac gluten sensitivity which may affect more than 10% of the population.
Food intolerances are reported to be very common affecting up to 40% of individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
type symptoms. A further exciting development is the dietary interventions studies showing benefit to patients with IBS when
trying a FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet, gluten free diet, or probiot-
ics. However one area of confusion for both clinicians and the public alike are the entities of Food Allergy and Food Intolerance.
Food allergy is predominantly a childhood diagnosis and is reported to affect 4-7% of children. Making the diagnosis is based
on the presence of either an IgE immunoglobulin blood or skin prick test, however crucially patients must also report allergic
symptoms. It is possible to have a positive IgE test as a marker of having been sensitized to the allergen but not actually de-
velop an allergic response. Nevertheless we now consider that 1-2% of adults may also have food allergy (for example peanut
allergy or seafood allergy). There are at present no tests for food intolerances, so distinguishing between food allergy and food
intolerance is vital.
The World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) wishes to raise awareness of the relationship between what we eat and
gastrointestinal symptoms through its annual public advocacy and awareness campaign, World Digestive Health Day (WDHD).
WDHD is celebrated each year on May 29th, with associated activities and initiatives continuing throughout and beyond the cam-
paign year. WDHD aims to provide a broad overview on this common association by providing gastroenterologists, and hence
their patients and the lay public, with an understanding of the latest basic and clinical research in the role of food in our gut.
Diet and the Gut Your Diet and Gut Health is the WDHD campaign theme for 2016 and seeks to translate research into clini-
cal practice and facilitate communication between healthcare providers, healthcare payers, and the public. We want to ensure
that patients receive appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice as well as appropriate investigations and treatment, relevant to
their condition, whether this is celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, IBS, food intolerance, or food allergy. The WGOs task
will be supported by the development of educational and training materials, around the world, in collaboration with WGO Mem-
ber Societies and by the concurrent development and publication of the WGO Guidelines and Cascades on the management of
different conditions where our diet may play a role.
Our colleagues and we from the WDHD 2016 Steering Committee look forward to a productive and successful campaign in
providing a global perspective on diet and gut health.
Yours sincerely,
DAVID S. SANDERS, MD GOVIND K. MAKHARIA, MD, DM, DNB,

Co-Chair WDHD 2016 MNAMS
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK Co-Chair WDHD 2016
Ansar Nagar, New Delhi, India
WDHD May 29, 2016
WORLD DIGESTIVE HEALTH DAY

2016 STEERING COMMITTEE
The World Digestive Health Day Campaign is led by the following individuals representing a global view and expertise. They
have guided the course of the WDHD campaign, leading in the development of tools and activities throughout 2016 and beyond.
CO-CHAIR, WDHD MEMBER MEMBER

2016 Julio Bai, MD Yeong Yeh Lee, MD
Govind K. Makharia, MD Argentina Malaysia
India
CO-CHAIR, WDHD MEMBER MEMBER

2016 Sheila E. Crowe, MD Chris Mulder, MD
David S. Sanders, MD USA Netherlands
UK
WGO PRESIDENT- MEMBER MEMBER

ELECT AND CHAIR Alessio Fasano, MD Natalie Nabon, MD
OF THE WGO USA Uruguay
FOUNDATION
Cihan Yurdaydin, MD
Turkey
VICE CHAIR, WGO MEMBER MEMBER

FOUNDATION Peter Gibson, MD Nevin Oruc, MD
Richard Hunt, MD Australia Turkey
UK
PAST CHAIRMAN, WGO MEMBER MEMBER

FOUNDATION Peter Green, MD Kentaro Sugano, MD
Eamonn Quigley, MD USA Japan
USA
SUPPORTED IN PART BY EDUCATIONAL GRANTS FROM
WDHD May 29, 2016
MESSAGE FROM THE WGO PRESIDENT-

ELECT AND CHAIR OF THE WGO FOUNDATION
AND THE VICE CHAIR OF THE WGO FOUNDATION
World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) represents a very successful initiative of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)
with the aim of raising awareness of important gastrointestinal problems. This initiative started 11 years ago when WDHD
2005 was devoted to Health and Nutrition. Since then WDHD is celebrated every year on May 29. What started as a one day
event has now developed into a full year long campaign. As might be expected, the target of WDHD are not only health care
professionals but also the general public. We aim to put into perspective several aspects related to the WDHD topic, from
prevalence to diagnosis, prevention, and management. The WGO embodies the optimal platform for the WDHD with its outreach
to over 100 countries through its Member Societies. We are happy to say that WDHD campaigns in the past have captured
the interest of not only our member societies, but also governmental or non-governmental organizations and the biomedical
industry. This broad range of interest has helped enormously for us to reach our goals of promoting WDHD and raising aware-
ness of the topic selected.
This years topic is of very special interest to the general public and to our patients and is entitled Diet and the Gut. Prob-
ably one of the main questions patients are seeking to ask their doctor, and especially their gastroenterologist or hepatologist,
everywhere around the world is what they should and should not eat. It is fair to say that while the patient may see a gastro-
enterologist as THE expert to whom this question should be asked, many gastroenterologists do not like this question and may
not consider themselves an expert on diet. Thus, for many gastroenterologists, the handbook prepared by David Sanders and
Govind Makharia and their team will give a happy sigh of relief! While some of the topics covered in this handbook will be more
or less familiar, some topics will be new or cover issues which they have long overlooked but now have the opportunity to read
in compact reviews by world experts in the field. The topics such as food-induced symptoms, food supplements, Global per-
spective on food allergies, and Food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis are good examples. This handbook covers, beyond
what has been already mentioned, other very interesting topics.
On behalf of the WGO Foundation, we congratulate Professors Govind Makharia and David Sanders, the 2016 Steering Commit-
tee, fellow authors, partners, and supporters on this wonderful work which we hope you will not only enjoy but find helpful in
your daily practice.
Sincerely,
CIHAN YURDAYDIN, MD RICHARD HUNT, FRCP, FRCPED, FRCPC,

WGO President-Elect and Chair of the WGO MACG, AGAF, MWGO
Foundation Vice Chair of the WGO Foundation
Ankara, Turkey Beaconsfield, Bucks, UK
WDHD May 29, 2016
UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH

GOVIND K. MAKHARIA, MD, DM, DNB, DAVID S. SANDERS, MD
MNAMS Academic Unit of Gastroenterology
Professor Department of Gastroenterology Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield
and Human Nutrition Teaching Hospitals
All India Institute of Medical Sciences NHS Foundation Trust
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
INTRODUCTION India more than 3,000 years ago, and Asian medicine, suggest
Approximately one third of people in the general population that many of the human diseases arise from the gut and that
complain of some gut-related symptoms, such as flatulence, strengthening of the digestive system, with the foods we eat,
bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diar- holds the key to good health.3
rhea, food intolerance, incontinence, and abdominal pain. HOW TO DEFINE GOOD GUT-HEALTH?
While most physicians look at these gut-related symptoms
What constitutes a healthy gut is as yet not well defined. As
in the context of the gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, gut-health
the World Health Organization defines health as a positive
related symptoms occur more often in the absence of de-
state of health, rather than the absence of diseases, the
monstrable functional and structural diseases in the GI tract.
healthy gut can be defined as a state of physical and mental
These digestive symptoms may not be life threatening, but
well-being without gastrointestinal symptoms that require
they can significantly affect the general wellbeing and quality
the consultation of a doctor, absence of any disease affect-
of life of the affected individuals.1,2
ing the gut, and also the absence of risk factors for diseases
Furthermore, the health of the gut is deeply rooted in the affecting gut.1,4 Therefore, to maintain good gut-health, one
psyche of society and the presence of any of these gut symp- needs to undertake measures not only at the tertiary level of
toms may prompt an individual to consult a doctor. Ancient prevention to retard the disease process, but also consider
medicine, such as Ayurveda, the science of life originating in both primary and secondary levels of prevention to maintain
Table 1: Indicators of gut health
Criteria for a healthy GI system Specific featues of gut-health

Effective digestion and absorption of food Effective absorption of food, water, and minerals
Regular bowel movement, passage of normal stool
No diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
Normal nutritional status
Absence of GI illness No acid peptic disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other gastric
inflammatory disease
No enzyme deficiencies or carbohydrate intolerances
No inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or other inflammatory state
No colorectal or other gastrointestinal cancer
Normal and stable intestinal microbiota No bacterial overgrowth
Normal composition and vitality of the gut microbiota
Effective immune status and gut barrier Effective GI barrier function
Normal levels of immunoglobulin A
Normal number and activity of immune cells
Quality of life Normal quality of life
Adapted from, Bischoff SC. Gut health: a new objective in medicine? BMC Med. 2011;9:24.
WDHD May 29, 2016
UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH, continued

a disease free gut as far as possible. Good gut-health should system. Here we present some guidance for which there is an
be all encompassing so that it covers all perspectives, rang- evidence base but in some aspects this information remains
ing from the Asian understanding of the gut as the middle of empirical. (see Table 2)
spiritual and physical strength to the Western understanding
of the GI barrier as a central body site interacting with the GENERAL HYGIENE AND GUT-HEALTH
environment and involved in the pathophysiology of many The GI tract, unlike other systems of the body, is exposed to
intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms and diseases.3 the environment at both its ends and it is exposed to enor-
mous amount of junk, some of which is toxic, on a daily basis.
INDICATORS OF GUT-HEALTH Therefore the hygiene of an individual will impact the hygiene
The GI system is complex and comprised of absorptive mu- of their GI tract. Any disturbance of the balance between the
cosa, epithelial transport, gastrointestinal motility, immune microbiome and the mucosal immune system will lead to im-
system, and gut microbiome; normality in all or most of its pairment of the GI barrier and subsequently to an increased
constituents provides a healthy gut. Any defect or abnormality risk to gut health and the development of GI disease.8-9 In fact
in any or many of the above constituents may predispose one many diseases, such as GI infection, antibiotic-associated
to diseases or may cause disease. (see Table 1) diarrhea, IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergy, and
so on, are related to the hygiene hypothesis.8-10 Therefore, any
HOW TO MAINTAIN GUT-HEALTH?
Our knowledge about how to maintain or restore gut-health
Table 2: Preventive strategy to maintain good digestive health
is limited in evidence-based medicine terms, but general
observations suggest that there is a wide range of pos- General hygiene
sible ways to support gut-health and GI well-being. Current - Maintenance of hygiene in food and water
medical research is much more focused on the treatment of - Proper washing of hands
defined GI disease rather than on the primary and secondary Dietary advices
prevention of the diseases. For example, we know of several - Healthy and well-balanced diet
effective drugs to treat autoimmune liver disease or inflam- - Adequate amount of fibre in the diet
matory bowel disease (IBD), but very little on how to prevent - Avoidance of processed food
such diseases.5,6 - Low FODMAP diet
Evidence-based approaches to maintain gut-health and to pre- - Eating of food slowly
vent GI diseases are limited. This is still an open and relevant - Avoidance of food that leads to food allergic symptoms
field for clinicians, epidemiologists, and scientists to ponder - Drinking of lot of fluids (non-sugar based)
on the enormous value of preventive strategies to maintain a Maintenance of healthy gut microbiota
healthy gut and prevent GI diseases. While measures such as - Probiotics and prebiotics
regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, mainatining a - Avoidance of proton pump inhibitors and
balanced diet schedule, and avoidance of saturated fat in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
diet have proven to be effective cardioprotective strategies, we Maintenance of hygiene
need to define similar strategy for good gut-health.7 Avoidance of injurious agents to gut
Certain lifestyle characteristics, such as balanced diet, mod- - Smoking: predisposes to gastroesophageal reflux
erate but regular exercise, avoidance of chronic stress, inges- - Drugs which damages intestinal mucosa, such as
tion of adequate amount of fibers, and use of well-defined NSAIDs
and specific pre- and probiotics, have been shown to have a - Excess and unindicated use of proton pump inhibitors
positive effect on gut health. - Avoidance of excess of alcohol
Maintenance of epithelial integrity
Since the GI system is complex, it follows that any preventive - Maintenance of healthy microbiome
strategy should include measures to address each aspect - Prevention of GI infections
of the GI system. The following could be proposed as indi- Maintenance of enterocytes
vidual preventive steps to maintain different aspects of the GI
WDHD May 29, 2016

conditions that might disturb the intestinal microbiome and AVOIDANCE OF STRESS
the mucosal immune system should be avoided. The psychological and cognitive factors, including stress,
DIET AND GUT-HEALTH affect the GI motility, GI secretion, and overall function of the
GI tract.23 While there is a lack of high quality evidence to sup-
A balanced diet is one of the important ways to keep the
port that improvement in lifestyle affect GI functions, there
digestive system healthy. One of the important reasons for
has been increase in the popularity of meditative strategy to
constipation in healthy individuals is inadequate intake of
calm down the mind. Despite the limitations of the literature,
fibers in their diet. Adequate fiber in the diet encourages
the evidence suggests that meditation programs could help
passage of contents through the digestive system and gives
reduce anxiety, depression, and pain in some clinical popula-
the correct consistency and bulk to stools. The dietary fibers
tions.24 Thus, clinicians should be prepared to talk with their
could be soluble or insoluble. While the recommended daily
patients about the role that a meditation program could have
intake of dietary fibers varies between 25-35g/day from
in addressing psychological stress.24 Furthermore, such
country to country, only a proportion of the worlds popula-
methods are now practised by many health professionals for
tion is able to meet the recommended daily amount of dietary
attaining not only the general well-being but for maintenance
fibers.11,12 While fiber intake is generally adequate in many
of a good gut health too.
Asian countries, the intake however is much lower in both
Europe and the USA. Other than its benefit in proper laxation, USE OF DRUGS TO PREVENTION OF GI
dietary fibers protect from diverticular disease and colorectal
cancer.13 Furthermore, a high-fiber diet has many other ben-
DISEASES
efits, including lowering of cholesterol, control of blood sugar Chemoprevention by taking aspirin, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibi-
in diabetics, and weight reduction.14 Furthermore, dietary tors, and calcium may reduce the recurrence of adenomas
changes have been shown to help prevent major societal and/or the incidence of advanced adenomas in individuals
diseases such as allergy, obesity, and cancer.15 A low FODMAP with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and tak-
diet or gluten free diet has been reported to be beneficial in ing aspirin may reduce the incidence of CRC in the general
patients with IBS.16,17 population.25,26 However, both aspirin and NSAIDs are associ-
ated with adverse effects, so it will be important to consider
There are evidences to suggest that high-fat, as well as high- the risk-benefit ratio before recommending these agents for
fructose, diets disturb the GI barrier and induce fatty liver chemoprevention.
disease and subclinical inflammatory conditions associated
with metabolic disturbances.18,19 An interesting idea is whether gut health can be further sup-
ported by using modulators of the intestinal microbiome or the
Therefore, measures to maintain a good gut-health include GI barrier, such as probiotics or prebiotics. Indeed, it has been
eating of a healthy and balanced diet, ingestion of adequate shown that chronic bowel diseases, such as IBD, are associ-
amount of fibers, reduction in the ingestion of saturated and ated with adherence of commensal bacteria to the otherwise
processed food, slow and regular eating, and, finally, avoid- sterile intestinal epithelium and that selected probiotics can
ance of foods that may lead to digestive symptoms. An indi- prevent the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to the intesti-
vidualized elimination diet in selected individuals with food in- nal mucosa or restore leaky gut by improving the molecular
tolerances, food allergy, or celiac disease may also contribute composition of tight junctions.27-30 Moreover, probiotic bacteria
to good gut health. 20,21 can support the normal development of the mucosal immune
AVOIDANCE OF FACTORS WHICH CAN system.
INDUCE DAMAGE TO GI TRACT In summary, nearly one third of worlds population suffer
from some form of gut related symptoms, most of which may
Tobacco abstinence, moderate alcohol consumption, mainte-
be unrelated to specific structural or functional disease in the
nance of normal body weight, avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-
GI tract. There is a need to popularize the primary preventive
inflammatory drug (NSAID) ingestion, and control of stress
strategies for maintenance of good gut health.
can support gut-health.22
WDHD May 29, 2016
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response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ. 23. Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EM, Gould NF, Rowland-Sey-
2011;343:d6617. mour A, Sharma R, et al. Meditation programs for psy-
chological stress and well-being: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174:357-68.
24. Lang M, Gasche C. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.
Dig Dis. 2015;33:58-67.
WDHD May 29, 2016

25. Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointesti-
nal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approach-
es for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. Am J Physiol
Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015;309:G59-70.
26. Marchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F, Hermes GD, Hirschfield
GM, Hold G, et al. The gut microbiota and host health: a
new clinical frontier. Gut. 2016 ;65:330-9.
27. West CE, Renz H, Jenmalm MC, Kozyrskyj AL, Allen KJ,
Vuillermin P, Prescott SL; in-FLAME Microbiome Interest
Group. The gut microbiota and inflammatory noncom-
municable diseases: associations and potentials for gut
microbiota therapies. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015;135:3-
13.
28. Lee D, Albenberg L, Compher C, Baldassano R, Piccoli
D, Lewis JD, Wu GD. Diet in the pathogenesis and treat-
ment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterology.
2015;148:1087-106.
29. Tilg H, Moschen AR. Food, immunity, and the microbiome.
Gastroenterology. 2015;148:1107-19.
WDHD May 29, 2016
DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION,

RECOMMENDATION FOR INTAKE, AND ROLE IN
DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
NEVIN ORUC, MD, PHD Current recommendations for dietary fiber intake are related
Ege University, Faculty of Medicine to age, gender, and energy intake; and the general recom-
Gastroenterology Department mendation for adequate intake is 14 g/1000 kcal.2 This aver-
Bornova, Izmir, Turkey age intake includes non-starch polysaccharides, analogous
carbohydrates, lignin, and associated substances.2 Using the
energy guideline of 2000 kcal/day for women and 2600 kcal/
day for men, the recommended daily dietary fiber intake is 28
g/day for adult women and 36 g/day for adult men. The Insti-
tute of Medicine in the USA recommended intakes of 30 g di-
Dietary fiber is the edible parts of plants or analogous carbohy-
etary fiber daily for adults based on protective effects against
drates that are resistant to digestion and absorption by the hu-
cardiovascular disease.7 Other organizations followed suit,
man intestine. Dietary fiber includes polysaccharides, oligosac-
recommending an intake of at least 25 g dietary fiber daily for
charides, lignin, and associated plant substances. The sources
the general population. Most people, however, under consume
of fiber vary in chemical and physiological properties.1,2
dietary fiber, and usual intake averages only 15 g per day.8
Dietary fiber was first used in the literature in 1953 by Hips-
Dietary fiber intake provides many health benefits. A gener-
ley, who used the term to refer to celluloses, hemicelluloses,
ous intake of dietary fiber reduces risk for developing various
and lignin.3 Since then, the definition has undergone many
diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hyperten-
revisions. According to Codex Alimentarius, dietary fiber is
sion, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal (GI) disor-
defined as carbohydrate polymers with 10 or more mono-
ders. Increased consumption of dietary fiber improves serum
meric units, which are not hydrolyzed by the endogenous
lipid concentrations, lowers blood pressure, improves blood
enzymes in the small intestine of humans. The decision to in-
glucose control in diabetes, aids in weight loss, and appears
clude carbohydrates from three to nine monomeric units was
to improve immune function.9 High dietary fiber intake may
left to national authorities.4 Several authorities from Canada,
reduce the risk of total mortality (See Table 1).
Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union considered
carbohydrates with three to nine monomeric units as a part INCREASED FECAL BULK/LAXATION
of dietary fiber definition. The definition has been expanded to Solubility, viscosity, and water holding properties of fiber
include oligosaccharides, such as inulin and resistant starch- affect digestion and the absorption function of the GI tract.
es. A universal definition, or consistency among definitions, is High insoluble fiber intake increases fecal bulk and decreases
necessary for food labels and for research purposes.
There are several different classification systems for dietary Table 1: Beneficial effects of dietary fiber in disease prevention and
fiber. Classifications of components of dietary fiber are based management
on their gastrointestinal solubility, site of digestion, products
of digestion, or physiological properties.1 Most common fiber Increased laxation
classification categories include water-insoluble/less fer- Decreased colonic transit time
mented fibers (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin) and the water- Increased colonic fermentation/short chain fatty acid
soluble/well fermented fibers (pectin, gums, and mucilages).5 production
Physiological effects of fiber differ from one non-digestible Positive modulation of colonic microflora
carbohydrate to another. The same amount from different Beneficial effect on mineral absorption
sources of fiber does not really infer the same levels of impact A protective role in the prevention of colon cancer and
on health. There are many different forms of fiber in food and other malignancies
there is also a wide range of foods delivering fiber. Dietary Improvement in immune function.
fibers can be extracted from edible material (intrinsic) or Reduced total and/or LDL serum cholesterol levels
modified and added back into a food (extrinsic).6 Dietary fiber Attenuation of postprandial glycaemia/insulinaemia
supplements have the potential to play an adjunctive role in Reduced blood pressure
offering the health benefits provided by high-fiber foods. Weight loss, Increased satiety
Decreased mortality
WDHD May 29, 2016
DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION, RECOMMENDATION FOR

INTAKE, AND ROLE IN DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT, continued
transit time, thereby helping in the prevention and treatment als, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fermentation of
of constipation.10 Fibers in diet are effective promoters of fiber by colonic microbiota and subsequent SCFA production
normal laxation, as are psyllium seed husk and methylcel- leads to reduction in luminal pH. The SCFA and lower pH may,
lulose in the form of supplements. Beside insoluble dietary in turn, dissolve insoluble mineral salts, especially calcium,
fibers, soluble fructans have been shown to have a beneficial magnesium, and iron, and increase their absorption.1
effect in the large intestine.11 Diverticular disease is one of the
most common GI diseases. A generous intake of dietary fiber CANCER PREVENTION
is considered to be protective, ameliorative, and preventive of Recent studies support this inverse relationship between
recurrences of diverticular disease.10,11 Similarly, several trials dietary fiber and the development of several types of cancers,
have shown that supplementation of some types of dietary fi- including colorectal, small intestine, oral, esophageal, larynx,
ber can prolong remission during the course of the inflamma- and breast.14 Cellulose is the major type of fiber that has been
tory bowel disease (IBD). These effects are primarily related shown to reduce risk of colon cancer. This effect is related to
with increased luminal production of immunomodulator short decrease in colon transit time and excretion of mutagens, as
chain fatty acids (SCFA). There is general agreement that if well as decrease in fecal bile acid concentration.15 Pectin and
there is no intestinal strictures and the patient is in remission, pectic oligosaccharides were shown to induce apoptosis in
dietary fiber consumption should not be limited in IBD. human colonic adenocarcinoma cells in vitro.16 Although the
mechanisms responsible are still unclear, several explana-
GUT MICROBIOTA AND PREBIOTIC EFFECTS tions have been proposed. First, dietary fibers are fermented
Dysbiosis in gut microbiota is associated with the pathogen- to produce SCFAs, which have anti-carcinogenic properties.
esis of many diseases, including infectious diseases, allergy, Second, there is less contact time between potential car-
IBD, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, and colon cancer.12 Gut cinogens and mucosal cells. Third, dietary fiber increases
microbiota can be affected by many factors, including medi- the binding between bile acids and carcinogens. Fourth,
cations, stress, and diet. Dietary fibers acting as a prebiotic increased intake of dietary fiber yields increased levels of
selectively enrich beneficial gut bacteria, mainly bifidobacteria antioxidants. Fifth, fibers may decrease estrogen absorption
and/or lactobacillus.2 Prebiotics that include fructo-oligosac- in the intestines.14,15 Dietary fiber is also preventive against
charides, oligofructose, and inulin were shown to increase the esophageal carcinogenesis, most notably esophageal adeno-
concentrations of bifidobacteria and or lactobacillus species carcinoma by modification of gastroesophageal reflux and
in the gut. Bacterial fermentation of the ingested fiber in the weight control.
colon produces SCFAs, primarily acetic, propionic, and butyric
acid. These SCFAs provide various health benefits to the host, CARDIAC DISEASE
such as: supplying fuel to colonocytes; regulating proliferation Cardiac disease is attributed to lifestyle, such as diet, physical
and differentiation of epithelial cells; increasing colonic blood activity, and cigarette abuse. High levels of dietary fiber intake
flow, reducing colonic pH; stimulating pancreatic secretions, are associated with significantly lower prevalence rates for
other gut hormones, and the autonomic nervous system; cardiac disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.2 A
promoting sodium and water absorption; and regulating gut pooled analysis of 10 prospective cohort studies indicated
motility.12 that every 10 g/d increase of dietary fiber was associated
with decreased risk of coronary events and coronary death by
MINERAL AND MICRONUTRIENT 14 and 27 %, respectively.17 Control and treatment of cardiac
ABSORPTION risk factors by high fiber intake decreases the prevalence of
There are concerns that micronutrient absorption may be ad- cardiac disease. Soluble fibers have been shown to increase
versely impacted by diets high in fiber. Diet high in insoluble the rate of bile excretion, therefore reducing serum total and
fiber is not associated with poorer micronutrient status in LDL cholesterol. Dietary fiber regulates energy intake and
healthy population consuming their usual diet.13 On the other blood glucose, thus enhancing weight loss. Dietary fiber has
hand, certain fiber types play a beneficial role in mineral and been shown to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, such
micronutrient absorption. Highly fermentable fibers have as interleukin-18 which may have an effect on plaque stabil-
resulted in improved metabolic absorption of certain miner- ity. By controlling all of these risk factors, enough fiber intake
WDHD May 29, 2016

decreases the risk of cardiac events. Improved cardiovascular INCREASING THE FIBER INTAKE
condition then improves blood pressure regulation. However,
When fiber is being increased for a specific purpose, a more
short term direct antihypertensive effects of dietary fiber is
careful choice of fiber type is important. If it is desired to
very controversial.
lower cholesterol or to improve glycemic control, soluble fiber
BLOOD GLUCOSE AND INSULIN REGULATION (such as oat bran or psyllium) should be chosen. If bulking or
correction of constipation is desired but the patient suffers
Dietary fiber has been shown to modify postprandial blood
from flatulence, insoluble fiber should be used.22 A gradual
glucose and insulin responses.18 Mainly, the viscosity of a
increase in fiber intake is usually recommended to improve
fiber affects glucose absorption. When viscous soluble dietary
tolerance by minimizing problems of gas and bloating.
fibers mix with water, it thickens. Intake of soluble dietary
fiber increases viscosity of the stomach content, prolongs Large amounts of purified soluble fiber alone may be harmful.
gastric emptying, increases transit time through the small High-fiber diet may cause inadequate energy intake. Studies
intestine, and reduces the rate of starch digestion and glu- conducted in rats have shown injurious effects of very high
cose absorption. Studies have shown that arabinoxylan (AX), fiber diets in the distal colon and enhancement, rather than
-glucan, fructo-oligosaccharides, and synthetic carbohy- suppression, of tumorigenesis. This finding may in part relate
drate analogues, such as dextrins, can reduce post-prandial to massive fermentation of excess fiber in the proximal colon
glucose and insulin responses.17 Daily 20 g of fructo-olygo- with relatively poor delivery of health-promoting fermentation
saccaride intake decreases hepatic glucose production.19 products to the distal colon. Fiber-induced expansion of the
Resistant dextrins also decrease postprandial blood glucose bacterial populations might lead to utilization of alternative
concentrations.20 metabolic pathways by these populations and these alterna-
tive pathways may have more toxic products.22 The produc-
REDUCED TOTAL AND/OR LDL SERUM tion of excess gases from fermentation, with the bulking ef-
CHOLESTEROL LEVELS fects of fiber, can induce bloating. Such symptoms are poorly
The cholesterol lowering effect of dietary fiber is well-known. tolerated by patients with IBS. The colon does adapt to these
Soluble fibers form a viscous layer in the small intestine. This dietary changes, but this requires several weeks to occur
reduces the reabsorption of bile acids and in turn increases and a gradual introduction is recommended. So enough fiber
the synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol and reduces intake in regular diet is recommended, while too much fiber
circulating blood cholesterol.21 The U.S. Food and Drug Ad- alone might be hazardous in different aspects.22
ministration has concluded that a minimum dose of 3 g/day
of oat or barley -glucan is needed for a beneficial reduction
SUMMARY
in blood cholesterol levels and subsequent decrease in the Regular fiber intake is recommended for general health. Dif-
risk of coronary heart disease. Psyllium and guar gum have ferent fiber types can be useful for the treatment of several
been shown to lower serum cholesterol and LDL in subjects gastrointestinal diseases like constipation, diarrhea, IBS, or
with elevated serum cholesterol, in subjects with non-insulin IBD.23 Patients diagnosed with diabetes, obesity, hyperlipid-
dependent diabetes, and in subjects receiving lipid-lowering emia, hypertension, and other cardio-metabolic diseases can
drug therapy. get a clinical improvement with soluble fiber intake. Dietary
fiber has been demonstrated to play a role in the prevention
OBESITY of colorectal cancer and other neoplastic diseases.
Satiation is commonly linked with dietary fiber intake; in par-
ticular, -glucan influences appetite and enhances postpran-
REFERENCES
dial satiety. Indigestible dextrins increase satiety and weight 1 Tungland B, Meyer D. Nondigestible oligo- and polysac-
reduction. Overall, ingestion of both insoluble and soluble fi- charides (dietary fiber): their physiology and role in hu-
bers have been linked with positive effects on weight control. man health and food. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2002;
The decrease in obesity and metabolic syndrome parallels 1(3):90109.
with the decrease in liver steatosis and steatohepatitis.
WDHD May 29, 2016

2 Fuller S, Beck E, Salman H, Tapsell L. New Horizons for 15 Reddy B, Engle A, Katsifis S, Simi B, Bartram H-P, Perrino
the Study of Dietary Fiber and Health: A Review. Plant P, Mahan C Biochemical epidemiology of colon cancer:
Foods Hum Nutr. 2016; 71(1):1-12. effect of types of dietary fiber on fecal mutagens, acid,
3 Hipsley EH. Dietary fibre and pregnancy toxaemia. Br and neutral sterols in healthy subjects. Cancer Res.1989;
Med J. 1953, 22; 2(4833):420-2. 49(16):46294635.
4 de Menezes EW, Giuntini EB, Dan MCT, Sard FAH, Lajolo 16 Harris PJ, Ferguson LR. Dietary fibres may protect or
FM Codex dietary fibre definition- Justification for inclu- enhance carcinogenesis. Mutat Res. 1999; 443 : 95110.
sion of carbohydrates from 3 to 9 degrees of polymerisa- 17 Pereira MA, OReilly E, Augustsson K, Fraser GE, Gold-
tion. Food Chem. 2013 140(3):581585. bourt U, Heitmann BL, Hallmans G, Knekt P, Liu S, Pietinen
5 Lattimer JM, Haub MD. Effects of dietary fiber and P, Spiegelman D, Stevens J, Virtamo J, Willett WC, Asche-
its components on metabolic health. Nutrients. 2010; rio A. Dietary fiber and risk of coronary heart disease: a
2(12):1266-89. pooled analysis of cohort studies. Arch Intern Med. 2004;
23;164(4):370-6.
6 Jones JM. Dietary fiber future directions: integrating new
definitions and findings to inform nutrition research and 18 Garcia A, Otto B, Reich S,Weickert M, Steiniger J, Ma-
communication. Adv Nutr. 2013 4(1):815. chowetz A, Rudovich N, Mhlig M, Katz N, Speth M Ara-
binoxylan consumption decreases postprandial serum
7 WHO/FAO. Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic glucose, serum insulin and plasma total ghrelin response
Diseases. Geneva: WHO.2003. in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Eur J Clin
8 Jones JR, Lineback DM, Levine MJ. Dietary reference Nutr. 2007; 61(3):334341.
intakes: implications for fiber labeling and consumption: 19 Luo J, Rizkalla SW, Alamowitch C, Boussairi A, Blayo A,
a summary of the International Life Sciences Institute Barry JL, Laffitte A, Guyon F, Bornet F, Slama G. Chronic
North American FiberWorkshop. Nutr Rev 2006; 64:3138. consumption of short-chain fructooligosaccharides by
9 Anderson JW, Baird P, Davis RH Jr, Ferreri S, Knudtson healthy subjects decreased basal hepatic glucose pro-
M, Koraym A, Waters V, Williams CL. Health benefits of duction but had no effect on insulin-stimulated glucose
dietary fiber. Nutr Rev. 2009; 67(4):188-205. metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996; 63(6): 939945.
10 Dahl WJ, Lockert EA, Cammer AL, Whiting SJ Effects of 20 Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Hallfrisch JG Barley -glucan
flax fiber on laxation and glycemic response in healthy reduces plasma glucose and insulin responses compared
volunteers. J Med Food. 2005; 8(4):508511. with resistant starch in men. Nutr Res. 2006; 26(12):644
650.
11 Kleessen B, Sykura B, Zunft H-J, Blaut M Effects of inulin
and lactose on fecal microflora, microbial activity, and 21 Othman RA, Moghadasian MH, Jones PJ Cholesterol low-
bowel habit in elderly constipated persons. Am J Clin Nutr. ering effects of oat B-glucan. Nutr Rev. 2011; 69(6):299
1997; 65(5):13971402. 309.
12 Gong J, Yang C Advances in the methods for studying gut 22 James SL, Muir JG, Curtis SL, Gibson PR. Dietary fibre: a
microbiota and their relevance to the research of dietary roughage guide. Intern Med J. 2003; 33(7):291-6.
fiber functions. Food Res Int. 2012; 48(2):916929. 23 Snchez Almaraz R, Martn Fuentes M, Palma Milla S,
13 Greenwood DC, Cade JE, White K, Burley VJ, Schorah CJ. Lpez Plaza B, Bermejo Lpez LM, Gmez Candela C.
The impact of high non-starch polysaccharide intake Fiber-type indication among different pathologies. Nutr
on serum micronutrient concentrations in a cohort of Hosp. 2015; 1;31(6):2372-83.
women. Public Health Nutr. 2004; 7(4):543-8.
14 Young, G.P.; Hu, Y.; Le Leu, R.K.; Nyskohus, L. Dietary fibre
and colorectal cancer: A model for environmentgene
interactions. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2005; 49, 571-584.
WDHD May 29, 2016
WHAT ARE FODMAPS? EVIDENCE FOR

USE OF LOW FODMAP DIETS IN GI DISORDERS
DAVID S. SANDERS, MD PETER GIBSON, MD
Academic Unit of Gastroenterology Alfred Hospital
Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Dept. of Gastroenterology
Teaching Hospitals Melbourne, VIC, Australia
NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
WDHD May 29, 2016
WHAT ARE FODMAPS? EVIDENCE FOR

USE OF LOW FODMAP DIETS IN GI DISORDERS, continued
WDHD May 29, 2016
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS?

DAVID S. SANDERS, MD PETER GIBSON, MD
Academic Unit of Gastroenterology Alfred Hospital
Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Dept. of Gastroenterology
Teaching Hospitals Melbourne, VIC, Australia
NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common, with a pooled responses being driven by gluten or non-gluten wheat-asso-
global prevalence of 11.2%.1 The etiology of IBS is not entirely ciated proteins, such as alpha-amylase trypsin inhibitors, or
clear, but 40% to 84% of IBS patients believe that food-items the FODMAPs, which co-exist with gluten in cereals.5 Some
are important triggers of their gastrointestinal symptoms. may have celiac disease that has yet to fulfill all diagnostic
Carbohydrates are reported as a source of symptoms in 70% criteria. Definitive demonstration of gluten/wheat-protein
and gluten-based products cited as an offending culprit by sensitivity is by randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind
roughly one-in-four.2 Furthermore, IBS patients who report cross-over studies using FODMAP-depleted gluten. Three
adverse food reactions tend to have more severe symptoms, prospective studies have been reported in patients with
associated subjective health complaints of musculoskeletal self-reported NCGS, with the consistent finding of less than
pains and chronic fatigue, and reduced quality of life.2,3,4 Most 5% of such patients having specific responses to gluten. A
recent work has focused on wheat, gluten, and FODMAPs (fer- major hurdle has been strong nocebo effects in these stud-
mentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, ies. Results of double-blind placebo-controlled challenges in
and polyols). 920 adults with self-reported wheat sensitivity but not celiac
Carbohydrate malabsorption (e.g. lactose malabsorption), by disease or wheat allergy found minimal nocebo response
virtue of its resultant distension of the intestine with in- in general and were able to detect 30% with positive wheat
creased water content and gas from bacterial fermentation, reactions, although the majority of these also reacted to other
has long been documented to cause IBS-like symptoms and foods, particularly milk protein.6 Nearly all of the patients had
restriction of perceived culprits has been an adjunct to stan- evidence of immune activation in the intestine and/or colon,
dard therapy. Restricting all slowly-absorbed and indigestible particularly increased density of intraepithelial lymphocytes
short-chain carbohydrates (a low FODMAP diet) has random- and eosinophilic infiltration. This contrasted with patients in
ized controlled evidence from multiple centers across many the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where such patients
countries of efficacy in patients with IBS. It benefits up to were mostly excluded. Interestingly, when patients with ap-
three of four patients with IBS and is proposed as a primary parent NCGS were re-challenged with gluten or placebo in
therapy for IBS. Most patients who benefit can de-restrict the parallel-group studies, significant differences were observed
diet and maintain the benefits. with greater symptom severity in the gluten-treated group.
More controversial has been the role of gluten in IBS; and the Hence, gluten-containing cereal sensitivity is likely to rep-
entity of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is now accepted resent one or more entity in individual patients previously
by consensus. Unfortunately, the study of its epidemiology, undiagnosed celiac disease, FODMAP sensitivity, gluten or
pathophysiology, and characteristics has been hindered by other wheat protein sensitivity, multiple food protein sensitiv-
the lack of objective diagnostic criteria and reliance upon ity, or none. Defining the specificities in an individual is largely
self-report of improvement with a gluten-free diet and ex- done by judicious clinical evaluation including assessment of
acerbation by subsequent ingestion of wheat. Furthermore, duodenal histology, and n-of-one dietary re-challenge stud-
what component(s) of wheat that is/are driving symptoms ies with the ultimate aim of gaining the greatest symptomatic
in any individual is difficult to define. The population preva- benefit with the least dietary restriction and of achieving
lence of NCGS when self-reported ranges from 0.6% to 13%.5 sustained benefits.
The pathophysiology of NCGS may involve an innate immune
WDHD May 29, 2016
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS, continued

2. Bhn L, Strsrud S, Trnblom H, Bengtsson U, Simrn M.
Self-reported food-related gastrointestinal symptoms
in IBS are common and associated with more severe
symptoms and reduced quality of life. Am J Gastroenterol.
2013;108(5):634-41.
3. Lind R, Arslan G, Eriksen HR, et al. Subjective health com-
plaints and modern health worries in patients with sub-
jective food hypersensitivity. Dig Dis Sci. 2005;50(7):1245-
51.
4. Berstad A, Undseth R, Lind R, Valeur J. Functional bowel
symptoms, fibromyalgia and fatigue: a food-induced
triad? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2012;8-9(47):914-9.
5. Aziz I, Hadjivassiliou M, Sanders DS. The spectrum
of noncoeliac gluten sensitivity. Nat Rev Gastroenterol
Hepatol. 2015 12:516-26.
Figure 1. 6. Carroccio A, Mansueto P, Iacono G, et al. Non-celiac wheat
sensitivity diagnosed by double-blind placebo-controlled
challenge: exploring a new clinical entity. Am J Gastroen-
Globally, when looking at the evolving literature, a response terol. 2012;107(12):1898-906; quiz 1907.
rate of about 70% might be anticipated when IBS patients are
7. Biesiekierski JR, Newnham ED, Irving PM, et al. Gluten
placed on either a low FODMAP diet or gluten-free diet (GFD).
causes gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects without
Furthermore, there may be long-term benefits with patients
celiac disease: a double-blind randomized placebo-con-
continuing their dietetic intervention of their own accord 12-
trolled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2011;106(3):508-14; quiz
18 months after the initial dietetic consultation.9 However, the
515.
risks associated with restrictive diets (especially nutritional
inadequacy, unfavorable effects on the gut microbiota or the 8. Biesiekierski JR, Peters SL, Newnham ED, Rosella O,
encouragement of eating disorders) must be seriously con- Muir JG, Gibson PR. No effects of gluten in patients with
sidered, especially when dietary manipulations are profes- self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity after dietary
sionally unsupervised or purely patient-initiated. reduction of fermentable, poorly absorbed, short-chain
carbohydrates. Gastroenterology 2013;145(2):320-8.e1-3.
In summary there is now an emerging evidence base that
nutritional therapies can be used for IBS patients with an 9. Aziz I, Trott N, Briggs R, North JR, Hadjivassiliou M, Sand-
expectation of benefit. The selection of diet could be based on ers DS. Efficacy of a Gluten-free Diet in Irritable Bowel
clinical judgement, patient preference and local skill-base, or Syndrome-Diarrhea Subjects Blinded to HLA-DQ2/8
categorization according to the absence or presence of celiac Genotype Status. Clin Gastro Hepatol. 2015;15:1715-22.
lite features (See Figure 1).
REFERENCES
1. Lovell RM, Ford AC. Global prevalence of and risk fac-
tors for irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis. Clin
Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012;10(7):712-721.e4.
WDHD May 29, 2016
CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE,

AND FRUCTOSE): IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT
VIPIN GUPTA, MD Table 1: Classification of carbohydrate intolerance
Senior Resident
Genetic Non-genetic
Department of Gastroenterology and
Early onset Functional impairment
Human Nutrition
Congenital lactase deficiency Fructose intolerance
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Congenital sucrase-isomaltase Sorbitol intolerance
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
deficiency Trehalose intolerance
Glucose-galactose malabsorption
Late onset
SHEILA E. CROWE, MD, FRCPC, FACP, Adult type lactose intolerance
FACG, AGAF
Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology, Department CONGENITAL LACTASE DEFICIENCY
of Medicine Congenital deficiency of lactase is rare and it is most often
University of California described in reports from Finland. There is a severe deficiency
San Diego, California, USA of lactase, the enzyme responsible for the digestion of lactose.
Premature stop codons and a truncated protein as a result of
GOVIND K. MAKHARIA, MD, DM, DNB, frame shifts missense mutations in the coding region of lac-
MNAMS tase enzyme, or exon duplication are the most common geno-
Professor types identified. Symptoms occur shortly after birth. Symp-
Department of Gastroenterology and Hu- toms subside when diet is changed to lactose free substances.
man Nutrition The activities of all other disaccharidases remain normal.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences SECONDARY LACTASE DEFICIENCY
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Deficiency of lactase occurs secondary to diseases of the
intestinal mucosa both during acute settings (such as after an
episode of gastroenteritis, or due to chronic diffuse mucosal
INTRODUCTION diseases such as celiac disease or Crohns disease). With the
Intolerance to carbohydrates, such as lactose intolerance, is a healing of the intestinal mucosa, the level of lactase improves
common type of non-allergic food intolerance.1 The number of with resolution of the symptoms. The recovery of lactase
patients diagnosed with carbohydrate intolerance has in- may take a longer time even when mucosa has healed, which
creased during the last few decades mostly as a consequence reflects the observation that lactase activity is the last to re-
of increase in carbohydrate consumption, especially added cover in comparison to other disaccharidases activities.
sugar, in the diet. There has been increasing awareness
among both general population and physicians about dietary ADULT TYPE LACTASE DEFICIENCY
intolerances and hence more and more patients with this dis- This is the most common cause of lactase enzyme deficiency
order are now diagnosed. Carbohydrate intolerance can either and up to 70% of worlds population has an activity of lactase a
be genetic or non-genetic in origin2 (See Table 1). level below a critical threshold for the digestion of dietary lac-
tose.3 It is an autosomal recessive condition in which there is
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE a gradual reduction in the activity of lactase after two years of
The intolerance to lactose is due to either relative or absolute age. The prevalence of lactase deficiency varies widely in the
deficiency of lactase enzyme and the deficiency can occur different geographic locations around the world. In the USA,
because of three disorders: 20% of Caucasian people have deficiency of enzyme, while
Congenital lactase deficiency 80-100% of Asians have deficiency of lactase enzyme. The
Secondary lactase deficiency prevalence of lactase deficiency is about 70-95% in Africa and
Adult type lactase deficiency 15-70% in Europe. The persistence or non-persistence of the
WDHD May 29, 2016
CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE AND

FRUCTOSE): IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT, continued
lactase is associated with the point polymorphism C/T 13910. to moderate amounts of lactose usually produces bloating,
This consists of a substitution in a sequence of DNA that cramps, and flatulence, but not diarrhea. Ingestion of larger
regulates the lactase gene. While genotype CC correlates with amounts of lactose, a faster gastric emptying time, and
hypolactasia, TT genotype correlates with lactase persistence.4 faster intestinal transit time all contribute to more severe
symptoms. Several factors determine the symptoms onset
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND CLINICAL of symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as lactose content
SYMPTOMS in the diet, gut transit time, fermentation capacity of gut, and
The lactase enzyme is located in the brush border (microvilli) (possibly) neuropsychological factors.
of the small intestinal epithelial cells. The enzyme splits and
hydrolyzes dietary lactose into glucose and galactose for
DIAGNOSIS
transport across the cell membrane. The absence or deficien- The diagnosis of lactose intolerance should be suspected in
cy of lactase leads to failure of hydrolysis of lactose, hence patients who have symptoms of bloating and chronic diar-
unabsorbed lactose remains in the intestinal lumen and fluid rhea. A relationship of symptoms occurring with the intake of
drives osmotically into the intestinal lumen.5,6 In addition to milk and milk products and relief in symptoms with avoidance
increasing the volume and fluidity of the gastrointestinal further strengthens the diagnostic possibility of lactose intol-
contents, unabsorbed lactose enter colon. The fermentation of erance. The diagnosis of lactose intolerance can be confirmed
lactose by colonic microflora produces lactic acid and hy- by lactose hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test, and
drogen. In the presence of methanogenic bacteria, hydrogen genetic study. Lactose hydrogen breath test is most common-
and carbon dioxide combine together to form methane in the ly used test for the diagnosis and the test has a sensitivity
colon. The excessive production of hydrogen and methane in of 88% and specificity of 85%. The test is performed and the
the intestine leads to bloating, distention of the abdomen, ex- results are interpreted as depicted in Figure 1.2
cessive flatulence, nausea, and abdominal pain (non-specific LACTOSE TOLERANCE TEST
in nature). The excessive unabsorbed lactose with osmotically
Patient consumes 50g of lactose dissolved in water. Samples
driven water, in excess of colonic absorption, can lead to diar-
of capillary blood are obtained to test the plasma glucose
rhea in some patients.
concentration at 5, 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. A maximal
In patients with common adult-type hypolactasia, the amount plasma glucose increase of 1.4 mmol/L( 25.2 mg/dl) or higher
of ingested lactose required to produce symptoms varies indicates lactose intolerance.7 The sensitivity and specificity of
from 12 to 18 g, or 8 to 12 ounces of milk. Ingestion of small lactose tolerance test is high (both >90%).
-12 hr -5min 0 2 hr
Fasting from solids and Collect breath sample for Collect breath samples at 20 min interval
liquids baseline H2 levels for 2 hours and record symptoms
No antibiotics and prebiotics Record H2 and CH4 levels

in previous 2 weeks 20% patients are non H2
Start breath test
No prokinetics and laxatives producers. So, CH4 levels
Lactose: 1gm/kg body weight should be measured.
in previous 1 week
(20% water, max 50 gm)
Low fiber meal in previous
24 hours Positive result:
Increase in breath hydrogen levels of > 20ppm or in methane levels of > 10ppm
Two-fold increase in hydrogen above baseline in three consecutive samples
Figure 1.
WDHD May 29, 2016

GENETIC TEST Table 2: Food items, which are restricted and allowed in patients hav-
ing lactose intolerance
The genetic test to identifies single nucleotide polymorphism
associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence. Geno- Food items that should be
type CC correlates with hypolactasia, while TT genotype with avoided Food items that are allowed
lactase persistence. One should know that all those who have All kinds of milk: whole, low Lactose-free milk and soy
CC genotype will not develop symptoms of lactose intoler- fat, nonfat, cream, powdered, milk
ance. condensed and evaporated, Lactose-free dairy and hard
TREATMENT Chocolate containing milk cheeses
The mainstay of treatment of lactose tolerance is avoidance Butter, cottage cheese, ice Yogurts unless unfermented
of all lactose containing milk and milk containing products cream, creamy/cheesy milk is added back in
(Table 2). In adult type lactase deficiency, lactose-containing sauces, cream cheeses, soft Kiefer
foods are limited for 2-4 weeks to induce remission. After cheese and mozzarella
4 weeks, lactose-containing products can be reintroduced All fruits
Whipped cream
gradually as per the tolerance of the individual. In secondary All vegetables
lactose intolerance, lactose is restricted only for a limited Milk, bread, crackers, and
creamer All legumes
duration and can be reintroduced safely after recovery from
the intestinal damage.8 Patients with lactose intolerance are Muffin, biscuit, waffle, pan- All cereals
prone to calcium deficiency, so supplementation of calcium cake, and cake mixes All meat, fish, and eggs
should be given. Patients with mild lactose malabsorption
Bakery products and All vegetable fats
may benefit from using lactase enzyme supplements. The
desserts that contain the
incubation of milk with lactase enzymes may also be helpful.
ingredients listed above
Lactase enzyme supplementation should be an adjunct to, not
a substitute for, dietary restriction. Non-dairy synthetic drinks
and soy milk are a useful substitute for milk. It is common for ed in a range of enzymatic capability ranging from complete
health providers to mistakenly tell the patient not to eat any absence of sucrase activity to a low residual activity and from
dairy products, which deprives them of a healthy source of completely absent isomaltase activity to a normal activity.
protein and the most bioavailable source of calcium. Instead Prevalence of congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency in
patients should be instructed about low or no lactose dairy North American and European populations range from 1 in
products (See Table 2). 500 to 1 in 2000 among non-Hispanic whites, with a lower
It should be noted that lactose content may be included in prevalence in African Americans and whites of Hispanic de-
the list of ingredients depending on the country in which the scent. Prevalence of this disorder is 5% to 10% in Greenland
product was processed, manufactured, or sold. Eskimos, 3% to 7% in Canadian native peoples, and about 3%
in Alaskans of native ancestry.10,11
SUCROSE INTOLERANCE (CONGENITAL
CLINICAL SYMPTOMS
SUCRASE- ISOMALTASE DEFICIENCY) Clinical manifestations are similar to that observed in pa-
Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency is a rare autosomal tients having lactose intolerance, and the severity of the
recessive disorder with decreased ability to digest sucrose, symptoms depend upon the content of the sucrose and starch
maltose, short 14 linked glucose oligomers, branched (16 in diet. The activity of enzyme sucrase can also be induced
linked) -limit dextrins, and starch.9 Over 25 mutations have by diet containing high sucrose and carbohydrates and its
been identified in genes responsible for sucrose-isomaltase expression can be reduced by diet containing high protein
synthesis on the chromosome 3. These mutations affect dif- and low carbohydrates. Hormones such as corticosteroids
ferent parts of protein synthesis to cause enzyme deficiency and thyroxine induce expression of sucrase-isomaltase in the
(e.g. transport, processing, folding, and anchoring to the en- mucosa of small intestine. All these factors collectively affect
terocyte membrane). This phenotypic heterogeneity is reflect- onset and severity of symptoms.
WDHD May 29, 2016

DIAGNOSIS Table 3: Food items, which are restricted and allowed in patients hav-
ing sucrose-isomaltose intolerance
In clinically suspected patients, diagnosis is made on small
intestinal biopsy, which was gold standard for years. Criteria Foods to avoid Food items which are allowed
applied to make the diagnosis include normal small bowel Apple, apricot, banana, Wheat, rice, corn, einkorn, oats,
morphology in the presence of absent or markedly reduced cantaloupe, grapefruit, kamut, spelt, rye, bread, pasta,
sucrase activity, isomaltase activity varying from 0 to full melon, mango, orange, flour, and cereals with no
activity, reduced maltase activity, and normal lactase activity, peach, pineapple, and added sugar
or in the setting of reduced lactase, a sucrase:lactase ratio of tangerine Avocado, berries, cherries,
<1.0.
Carrot and potato fig, grapes, kiwi, lemon,
Molecular genetics helps in making early diagnosis and lime, olives, papaya, pear,
Beans, chickpeas, green
avoids invasive, repetitive procedures. At least 80% of pomegranate, prunes, and
peas, lentils, peas, and soy
patients have one of four common mutations, namely strawberries
p.Val577Gly, p.Gly1073Asp, and p.Phe1745Cys in the sucrase Yogurt sweetened with
sucrose, sweetened All vegetables
domain and p.Arg1124X in the isomaltase domain.12 It has
replaced the need for small intestinal biopsy for diagnosis. condensed milk, and Milk, dairy product, butter,
sweetened cream cream, cheeses, and yogurt
TREATMENT
Sugar (sucrose), ice cream, sweetened with dextrose or
The sucrase-isomaltase intolerance is treated mainly by the all desserts made with fructose
dietary restriction. (See Table 3) Oral supplementation of su- sugar, marmalade, candies, All meat, fish, and eggs
crosidase (derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can also jellies, chocolate, and
be used, if available. All fats
licorice
Fructose, honey, cocoa,
FRUCTOSE INTOLERANCE Commercial cookies and unsweetened juice, homemade
Fructose is a monosaccharide, which is naturally present in cakes with added sugar, low-sucrose cookies, and cakes
fruits and vegetables.13 Fructose, because of its sweet taste, sweetened drinks
is used extensively in food industry as a sweetener such as
in juices, candies, and beverages. Fructose is also a constitu- through SGLT-1 activates GLUT-2 which in turn gets inserted
ent of disaccharides sucrose along with glucose. on the apical membrane. Therefore, ingestion of glucose en-
hances absorption of fructose as well. Glucose also increases
HEREDITARY FRUCTOSURIA paracellular absorption of fructose. These mechanisms ex-
Hereditary fructosuria is a rare clinical disease, which occurs plain the possible fructose malabsorption after eating foods
due to a deficiency of this aldolase B enzyme. The deficiency whose fructose component is in excess of glucose. Fructose
of enzyme leads to incomplete metabolism of fructose, which intolerance can also occur because of diffuse mucosal dis-
leads to accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate in the liver, eases of intestine such as celiac disease.
kidney, and intestine. Patients may have symptoms in the
form of hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diar- Clinical features are similar to symptoms caused by other
rhea.14 carbohydrates intolerances such as lactose intolerance, as
described above.
FRUCTOSE INTOLERANCE The diagnosis of fructose malabsorption can be made by hy-
Fructose is generally absorbed passively along with glucose drogen breath test after ingestion of fructose 0.5 gm/kg (maxi-
via GLUT-2 transporter present on the basolateral membrane mum 25 gm) dissolved in water. The diagnosis is confirmed by
of enterocytes. Fructose is also absorbed by GLUT-5 is non an increase of >20 ppm in hydrogen or >10 ppm in methane
glucose dependent transporter located in the brush border of levels over the baseline twice in succession and abdominal
the small intestine. Defects in these transporters can lead to discomfort after the consumption of the test dose. Fructose-
fructose malabsorption. Transportation of ingested glucose hydrogen test has both sensitivity and specificity of over 80%.
WDHD May 29, 2016

The treatment of fructose malabsorption involves mainly the 4 Enattah NS, Sahi T, Savilahti E. Identification of a variant
food items, which are rich in fructose. (See Table 4) Patients associated with adult-type hypolactasia. Nat Genet. 2002;
should be advised to adhere to a low fructose diet (< 10 gm/ 30: 2337.
day). Emphasis should be given on balanced intake of glucose 5 Hammer HF, Hammer J. Diarrhea caused by carbo-
and fructose. Supplementation of xylose isomerase, which hydrate malabsorption. Gastroenterol Clin North Am.
converts fructose into glucose, can also be provided which 2012;41:611-27.
decrease symptoms of fructose intolerance 15.
6 Raithel M, Weidenhiller M, Hagel AF. The malabsorption of
Table 4: Food items, which are restricted and allowed in patients hav- commonly occurring mono and disaccharides: levels of
ing fructose intolerance investigation and differential diagnoses. Dtsch Arztebl Int.
Food items, that which should be Food items, which 2013 ;110:775-82.
avoided should be allowed 7 Di Rienzo T, DAngelo G, DAversa F. Lactose intolerance:
All fruits All cereals from diagnosis to correct management. Eur Rev Med
Pharmacol Sci. 2013;17:18-25.
Fructose, honey, high-fructose All meat, fish, and eggs
corn syrup, sorbitol, jams, gelatin 8 Usai-Satta P, Scarpa M, Oppia F. Lactose malabsorption
All dairy
desserts, candies, and all desserts and intolerance: What should be the best clinical manage-
sweetened with fructose All fats ment? World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2012;3:29-33.
Condiments such as barbeque Sugar (sucrose), 9 Ritz V, Alfalah M, Zimmer KP. Congenital sucrase-isomalt-
sauce, ketchup, sweet and sour molasses, and ase deficiency because of an accumulation of the mutant
sauce, pancake syrup, and plum saccharine enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum. Gastroenterology.
sauce Pumpkin, radish, 2003 ;125:1678-85.
Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, scallions, spinach, 10 Bell RR, Draper HH, Bergan JG. Sucrose, lactose, and
green beans, green peppers, sweet spinach, white glucose tolerance in northern Alaskan Eskimos. Am J Clin
potatoes, and tomatoes potatoes, shallots, Nutr. 1973;26:1185-90.
cucumber, and lettuce
Beans and peas 11 Ellestad-Sayed JJ, Haworth JC, Hildes JA. Disaccharide
malabsorption and dietary patterns in two Canadian
Eskimo communities. Am J Clin Nutr. 1978;31:1473-8.
CONCLUSIONS
Amongst the carbohydrate intolerances, lactose intolerance 12 Uhrich S, Wu Z, Huang JY. Four mutations in the SI gene
is the most common. Because of overlapping symptoms with are responsible for the majority of clinical symptoms of
other small intestinal diseases, carbohydrate intolerance CSID. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012;55:345.
should be kept in mind and suspected clinically. The mainstay 13 Escobar MA Jr, Lustig D, Pflugeisen BM. Fructose intoler-
of treatment is avoidance of carbohydrate causing symptoms. ance/malabsorption and recurrent abdominal pain in
children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014;58:498-501.
REFERENCES
1 Lomer MC. Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, 14 Mishkin D, Sablauskas L, Yalovsky. Fructose and sorbitol
mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance. malabsorption in ambulatory patients with functional
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41:262-75. dyspepsia: comparison with lactose maldigestion/malab-
sorption. Dig Dis Sci.1997;42:2591-8.
2 Berni Canani R, Pezzella V, Amoroso A. Diagnosing and
treating intolerance to carbohydrates in children. Nutri- 15 Komericki P, Akkilic-Materna M, Strimitzer T. Oral xylose
ents. 2016;8. isomerase decreases breath hydrogen excretion and im-
proves gastrointestinal symptoms in fructose malabsorp-
3 Lomer MC, Parkes GC, Sanderson JD. Review article: lac- tion - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Aliment
tose intolerance in clinical practice--myths and realities. Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36:980-7.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008;27:93-103.
WDHD May 29, 2016
FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

SHEILA E. CROWE, MD, FRCPC, FACP, GOVIND K. MAKHARIA, MD, DM, DNB,
FACG, AGAF MNAMS
Professor of Medicine Professor
Division of Gastroenterology, Department Department of Gastroenterology and
of Medicine Human Nutrition
University of California All India Institute of Medical Sciences
San Diego, California, USA Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
DEFINITION AND FORMS OF FOOD ALLERGY Celiac disease is an example of a T cell-mediated disease.5
Specific peptide sequences of proteins known as gluten can
Adverse immune responses to proteins in a food constitute
activate T lymphocytes in genetically susceptible individuals.
a food allergy. All other forms of adverse reactions to foods
The T cells release cytokines and other cellular events lead
(ARF) are non-immune reactions (see Figure 1), commonly
to the enteropathy which characterizes the disease. Celiac
referred to as food intolerances, which comprise physiologi-
disease (discussed elsewhere) is unique as it is both a food
cal, pharmacological, psychological, and unknown mecha-
allergy and an autoimmune condition.
nisms.1 A clinicians ability to discern food allergies from food
intolerances is absolutely essential, as prognosis and man- Food allergy can be mediated by eosinophils that infiltrate
agement of allergy and intolerance require vastly different the entire luminal digestive tract.6 Only the mucosal layer of
approaches.2, 3 the esophagus is involved in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE),
but in the remaining rare forms of the disease that involve
the stomach, intestine, and/or colon, eosinophils are found in
the mucosa (most common), the muscular layer, and/or the
serosa.
CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS
IgE-mediated responses to food allergy present a wide range
of clinical manifestations with a rapid onset, a spectrum that
ranges from self-limited, localized hives to potentially fatal
anaphylaxis. Hives and angioedema are the most common
symptoms of food allergy. GI, cardiovascular, and/or respira-
tory systems may be affected. The most serious symptom
of IgE-mediated food allergy is generalized anaphylaxis. The
primary manifestations of a GI allergic reaction are a) GI ana-
Figure 1.
phylaxis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) which
typically develops along with allergic symptoms beyond the
Classical food allergy or hypersensitivity results from a digestive tract, such as wheezing and urticarial and b) the
humoral response involving immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody oral allergy syndrome.7 GI allergy symptoms typically pres-
directed to specific proteins. These antibodies bind to effector ent within a span of a few minutes to a couple of hours after
cells, basophils in the circulation, mast cells in skin, and mu- ingesting the culprit food.
cosal tissues of the gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory tracts A rare type of anaphylaxisfood-dependent exercise-induced
and upon exposure to the offending food, these cells degranu- anaphylaxistriggers an anaphylactic response when an
late, releasing histamine and other mediators which give rise individual consumes an offending food within 2 to 4 hours of
to a variety of symptoms.4 Other forms of food allergy arise participating in exercise, though no allergic consequences
from an abnormal cellular response to specific foods. occur if the individual ingests that same food and does not
exercise.2
WDHD May 29, 2016
FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, continued

Table 1: Cross-reactivity between pollens and fruits and vegetables in orders. Endoscopic findings include edema, concentric fixed
oral allergy syndrome.2 rings, exudates, linear furrows (as demonstrated in Figure 2),
and in advanced disease, strictures. Currently, there are no
Birch Almond, aniseed, apple, apricot, carrot, celery,
established markers that aid in determining which foods are
cherry, hazelnut, parsley peach, peanut, pear,
the culprits other than eliminating common foods (6-food diet
and plum
or 4-food diet) to observe if there is clinical and endoscopic
Ragweed Banana, cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew,
improvement, as well as reduced numbers of eosinophils
watermelon and zucchini
in mucosal samples. After a response to food elimination,
Mugwort Aniseed, bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, caraway, one food group at a time is reintroduced to assess clinical,
cauliflower, celery, fennel, garlic, mustard, onion, endoscopic, and histological endpoints. If there is no worsen-
and parsley ing of esophageal mucosal eosinophil counts another food
Orchard Cantaloupe, honeydew, peanut, tomato, group is introduced and so on, until there is worsening of
watermelon, and white potato symptoms, endoscopy, and pathology. Eventually through
Timothy Swiss chard and orange repeated periods of avoidance and challenges a specific
exclusion diet can be established for an individual patient. In
Symptoms of the oral allergy syndromealso called pollen- general, wheat and milk should be the last group to test as
food allergy syndrome, which is a form of contact hypersensi- they are the most likely to produce a recrudescence of EoE.
tivity almost entirely confined within the oropharynxinclude Additional therapies include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to
the rapid onset of pruritus and swelling of the lips, tongue, treat co-existing acid reflux and/or PPI-responsive EoE, topi-
palate, and throat.7. These symptoms usually resolve within cal corticosteroids (swallowed fluticasone or oral budesonide
minutes of onset, however. Individuals who have seasonal suspension), and rarely systemic corticosteroids. Oral predni-
allergic rhinitis to birch or ragweed pollens commonly show sone and budesonide capsules are usually used for treating
signs of oral allergy syndrome after eating raw fruits and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE). EGE is less associated with
vegetables (see Table 1). food-allergy and food elimination has little benefit compared
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a new disease, not reported to EoE. Interestingly, while EoE prevalence is increasing, the
until very late in the past century. It presents with dysphagia, frequency of EGE has not changed since the mid-1950s.
food impaction, heartburn, and regurgitation. It occurs more
often in males and is often associated with other atopic dis-
FOOD ALLERGY AND THE GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVE
More than 50 million Americans are estimated to have aller-
gies and up to 15 million of them have food allergies.8 One in
every 13 children under the age of 18 years have food allergy.
US healthcare dollars spent on food allergy approaches $25
billion per year. Although the vast majority of ARFs, more
than 85%, are not due to true food allergies. One-fifth of the
US population self-imposes diet modifications because of
perceived ARFs.2 Most ARFs are due to food intolerances that,
though often unexplained, do not involve the immune system.
Food allergies affect 4% of adults and 8% of children in the
USA and the prevalence seems to be on the rise.8 The U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a
50% increase in food allergy between 1997 and 2011. Ap-
proximately 200,000 emergency room visits and 300,000
ambulatory-care visits annually in the United States are
related to food allergy.2 Eight foods account for 90% of all
Figure 2.
WDHD May 29, 2016

food allergic reactions in North America: milk, eggs, peanuts, Differences within Asia were also noted. Though uncommon
tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.9 The most common in most Asian countries, wheat allergy is the most common
food allergens affecting adults are shellfish, fish, peanuts, and cause of anaphylaxis in Japan and Korea, and is increasing in
tree nuts.2 By the time a child reaches school agein approxi- Thailand. This study highlights important differences between
mately 80% of casesallergies to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat East and West, and within the Asian region.
have usually abated.9 Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) occurs in children and adults
A recent systematic review provides a relatively recent es- with a strong male preponderance. There has been a marked
timate of the prevalence of food allergy in Europe.10 Studies increase in EoE in North America, Europe, and Australia. The
published in Europe from January 1, 2000 to September 30, reasons for this increase remain unclear, but are likely to be
2012 were identified from searches of four electronic data- influenced by genetic and environmental factors, as well as
bases. Two independent reviewers appraised the studies and early-life exposures. Based on recent population-based data,
extracted the estimates of interest. Data were pooled using the estimated EoE prevalence in the USA is 56.7 per 100,000
random-effects meta-analyses. Fifty studies were included persons.12 The peak prevalence was observed in patients be-
in a narrative synthesis and 42 studies in the meta-analyses. tween 35 and 39 years of age. Prevalence figures in Asia and
Although there were significant heterogeneity between the the Middle East generally appear to be lower than in Western
studies, the overall pooled estimates for all age groups of countries, but population-based studies are not available. Al-
self-reported lifetime prevalence of allergy to cows milk, though celiac disease and EoE can occur in given individuals,
egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish were typically males, a causal association between celiac disease
6.0, 2.5, 3.6, 0.4, 1.3, 2.2, and 1.3, respectively. The prevalence and EoE appears unlikely. Additional population-based studies
of food-challenge-defined allergy to these same foods were are needed to define the epidemiology of EoE.
on average 10-fold less compared to the self-reported food In summary, food allergy occurs worldwide with varying
reactions. Allergy to cows milk and egg was more common prevalence according to specific food consumption and
among younger children, while allergy to peanut, tree nuts, geographic regions. Food allergies, including EoE and celiac
fish, and shellfish was more common among the older ones. disease, are increasing in prevalence over time and are more
Allergy to most foods, except soy and peanut, appeared to be frequent in western countries. However, data for all countries
more common in Northern Europe. The heterogeneity be- and regions of the world is incomplete.
tween studies was high and participation rates varied across
studies, reaching as low as <20% in some studies. REFERENCES
Asia is a populous and diverse region and a recent review 1. NIAID Expert Panel; Boyce JA, Asaad AA, et al. Guidelines
aimed to summarize the current literature on food allergy for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in
from this region, comparing it with western populations. A the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert
PubMed search using strategies Food allergy AND Asia, panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;26(6 Suppl):S1-S58.
Food anaphylaxis AND Asia, and Food allergy AND each 2. Leung, J., Crowe, S.E., Food allergy and food sensitivity. In:
Asian country was conducted.11 Fifty-three articles, pub- Nutritional Care of the Patient with Gastrointestinal Dis-
lished between 2005 and 2012, were reviewed. The overall ease. Buchman, A. ed, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor
prevalence of food allergy in Asia was comparable to the & Francis Group, 63-87, 2015.
West, but the types of food allergy differed in order of rel-
evance. Shellfish was the most common food allergen in 3. Chafen JJS, Newberry SJ, Riedl MA, et al. Diagnosing and
Asia, likely reflecting the abundance of seafood consumption managing common food allergies: a systematic review.
in this region. Symptoms varied widely, from oral symptoms JAMA. 2010;303(18):1848-1856.
to anaphylaxis, within given individuals. In contrast, peanut 4. Bischoff S, Crowe SE. Gastrointestinal food allergy: new
prevalence in Asia was extremely low compared to the West insights into pathophysiology and clinical perspectives.
for unclear reasons. Egg and cows milk allergy were the two Gastroenterology. 2005;128(4):1089-1113.
most common food allergies in young children and infants,
with prevalence data comparable to western populations.
WDHD May 29, 2016

5. Crowe, S.E. In The Clinic: Celiac Disease. Ann Internal Med.
154(9): ITC5-14, 2011.
6. Dellon, ES, Gonsalves, N, Hirano, I et al. ACG Clinical
Guideline: Evidenced Based Approach to the Diagnosis
and Management of Esophageal Eosinophilia and Eo-
sinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Am J Gastroenterol. May
2013;108(5):679-692.
7. Hofmann A, Burks AW. Pollen food syndrome: update on
the allergens. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2008;8(5):413-417.
8. FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education).
www.foodallergy.org. Accessed May 4, 2016.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in Al-
lergic Conditions Among Children: United States, 1997
2011. NCHS Data Brief. May 2013.
10. Nwaru, B., Hickstein, L., Panesar, S.S., Roberts, G., Mu-
raro, A., Sheikh, A., EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Guidelines group. Prevalence of common food allergies in
Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy.
2014 Aug;69(8):992-1007. doi: 10.1111/all.12423. Epub
2014 May 10.
11. Lee, A.J., Thalayasingam, M., Lee, B.W. Food Allergy
in Asia: how does it compare? Asia Pac Allergy. 2013
Jan;3(1):3-14. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2013.3.1.3. Epub
2013 Jan 22.
12. Heine, R.G., Insights into the emerging epidemic of eo-
sinophilic oesophagitis. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol.
2015 Oct;29(5):731-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2015.09.004.
Epub 2015 Sep 10.
WDHD May 29, 2016
CELIAC DISEASE
CAROLINA CIACCI, MD EPIDEMIOLOGY
University of Salerno CD is common, with a world prevalence of about 1%, varying
Salerno, Italy from 0.14%-5.7%. The observed increased number of new
cases in the last decades is due to better diagnostic tools and
thorough screening of individuals considered to be at high-
risk for the disorder. However, the ratio of diagnosed to undi-
agnosed cases of CD varies from country to country, suggest-
ing that most cases of CD are still undetected. Globally, there
PETER GREEN, MD is the need to increase the knowledge of disease, especially
Columbia University among primary care doctors.
New York, New York, USA
ROLE OF GENETICS
The MHC-HLA locus is the most important genetic factor in
the development of CD. The disorder is associated with hu-
man leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes, and
the alleles HLA DQ2 (95%) and DQ8 (the rest) are present in
the vast majority of CD patients. Recent data showed that also
JULIO C. BAI, MD
HLA class-I molecules are associated to the disorder.
Del Salvador University
Buenos Aires, Argentina SYMPTOMS
CD may present at any time in life with an ample spectrum of
symptoms and signs.
Classical CD presents with signs and symptoms of malab-
sorption, including diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weight loss or
growth failure in children.
DEFINITIONS In the so called non-classical form of CD, patients may pres-
Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic enteropathy produced in ge- ent with mild gastrointestinal symptoms without clear signs
netically predisposed subjects by the ingestion of gluten. of malabsorption or with extra-intestinal manifestations. In
this case the patient will suffer from abdominal distension
Gluten represents the protein mass that remains when wheat
and pain and a myriad of extraintestinal manifestations such
dough is washed to remove starch. Gliadins and glutenins are
as: iron-deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue, chronic migraine,
the major protein components of gluten and are present in
peripheral neuropathy unexplained chronic hypertransami-
wheat, rye, and barley.
nasemia, reduced bone mass and bone fractures, and vitamin
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a condition in which people deficiency (folic acid and B12), late menarche/early meno-
in whom CD and wheat allergy has been excluded present pause and unexplained infertility, dental enamel defects, de-
symptoms which improve with a gluten free diet (GFD). pression and anxiety, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. The family
Wheat allergy is an adverse immunologic reaction to wheat screening that follows a CD diagnosis has shown that CD may
proteins, mostly IgE- but rarely also non-IgE mediated. It may run asymptomatic, in asymptomatic CD patients, however, the
present as an allergy affecting the skin, gastrointestinal or GFD will also improve the quality of life and health.
respiratory tract, a contact urticarial, but also as the so called
exercise-induced anaphylaxis, or as asthma/rhinitis (bakers DIAGNOSIS
asthma). The gold standard for CD diagnosis relies on the presence in
serum of CD specific serology and the intestinal biopsy shows
the presence of increased number of intra-epithelial lympho-
cytes (IELS) and various degrees of villous shortening.
WDHD May 29, 2016
CELIAC DISEASE, continued

Table 1. Patients having a low titer of antibodies, and having histologi-
The celiac disease clinical presentation may be monosymp- cally normal mucosa, may be a false positive test. The recom-
tomatic or oligosymptomatic, or with low intensity. The fol- mendation is to repeat the serology after six months while on
lowing signs or symptoms may be present at any age. a gluten-containing diet. If serology remains to be positive,
these patients may be called potential CD and they should be
Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal distension followed. Majority of potential CD patients later develop the
and/or pain, chronic constipation in children, dyspepsia, disorder. The long-term follow up of such patients is not well
early satiety, and loss of appetite) known.
Iron deficiency and anemia
The intestinal (duodenal) biopsy has been considered as
Chronic fatigue and lack of energy essential for diagnosing CD. CD predominantly affects the
Chronic migraine mucosa of the proximal small intestine, with damage gradu-
Dermatological manifestations (such as rash, psoriasis, and ally decreasing in severity towards the distal small intestine.
blisters) Under light microscopy, the most characteristic histological
findings in patients with CD who are taking a gluten-contain-
Peripheral neuropathy - numbness and parasthesias ing diet are:
Unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia Increased density of intraepithelial lymphocyte (>25/100
Vitamin deficiency (folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B12) epithelial cells)
Crypt hyperplasia with a decreased villi/crypt ratio
Reduced bone density
Blunted or atrophic villi
Unexplained infertility Mononuclear cell infiltration in the lamina propria
Delayed puberty, late menarche/early menopause Epithelial changes, including structural abnormalities in
epithelial cells.
Unexplained miscarriage, premature birth, or small for
gestational age infant A modified Marsh classification for villous abnormalities is
Incidentally recognized at endoscopy performed for GERD now widely used for assessing the severity of villous atrophy
in clinical practice. It is highly recommended that the patholo-
Dental enamel defects gists include report changes in a structured format, includ-
Depression and anxiety, moodiness, and irritability ing the abovementioned histological changes, intraepithelial
Celiac crisis (cholera-like syndrome) lymphocytes count, and interpretation in terms of modified
Marshs classification. A negative histological diagnosis may
justify a second biopsy in selected patients who have positive
The CD serology encompasses serological markers target- autoantibodies, such as high titre anti-tTG, anti-DGP, and/or
ing the auto-antigen, such as antiendomysial (EMA) and endomysial antibodies. Patients with dermatitis herpetiformis
anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG), and those targeting having a positive serology may have normal histology.
the offending agent, against synthetic deamidated gliadin Upper endoscopy, performed for other causes than biopsy
peptides (anti-DGPs). All of these antibodies are based on procuration, may show scalloping and/or flattening of duo-
immunoglobulin A (IgA) or immunoglobulin G (IgG). Specifi- denal folds, fissuring over the folds, and a mosaic pattern of
cally, IgG-based tests are useful for detecting CD in selected mucosa of folds. Four to six biopsy samples must be taken
IgA-deficient patients. It is recommended to test also the from the second part of the duodenum, and from the duode-
level of the serum total IgA, as IgA deficiency is present in 2% nal bulb, even if the mucosa appears normal. Biopsies must
of population. In case of selective IgA deficiency in a second be taken when patients are on a gluten-containing diet (e.g.
blood samples, IgG-based tests should be performed (anti- two slices of toast per day during four weeks).
DGP, anti-tTG or EMA) because negative IgA antibodies will not
be diagnostic. The intestinal biopsy is always necessary if the antibodies are
negative. However (and according to very new concepts for
children), biopsies may be omitted in the presence of symp-
WDHD May 29, 2016

toms and signs of malabsorption, very high tTG-IgA titer (>10 Einkorn, Emmer Graham flour, rye, or barley (including malt,
time upper limit of normal), and positive EMA in a second malt extract, malt flavoring, and malt syrup).
blood sample. When the country resources are low, CD diag- Gluten-free grains, flours, and starches that are allowed in
nosis can rely on the sole presence of positive serology or a gluten-free diet include: amaranth, arrowroot, bean flours,
even of a histology demonstrating intestinal damage, followed buckwheat, corn, garbanzo beans, seeds, millet, Montina flour
both by the good clinical response to GFD. Presumptive GFD (Indian rice grass), nut flour, nut meals, oats (uncontami-
followed by dramatic clinical improvement has been consid- nated), potato flour, potato starch, quinoa, rice ( all forms),
ered an indirect diagnostic tool for CD. However, this strategy sorghum flour, soy flour, tapioca, and teff flour.
(sometimes useful in underprivileged countries) must be
strongly discouraged as the GFD will by time decrease the A small subgroup of patients with CD may also be intoler-
specific antibody levels and restore the damaged mucosa, not ant to pure oats. Oats must be pure and uncontaminated by
allowing a proper CD diagnosis. gluten to be suitable per most CD patients.
The majority of industrially produced foods may contain glu-
IMPORTANCE OF GENETICS FOR DIAGNOSIS ten. Any dietary deficiencies, starting from the correct fiber
OF CD AND POPULATION AT RISK content, but also iron, folic acid, calcium, and (very rarely)
First-degree and (to a lesser extent) second-degree relatives vitamin B12, should be corrected.
have an increased risk for CD. Because of the genetic predis-
position, in HLA positive people the onset of the disease or DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
symptoms, on a gluten-containing diet, may occur at any time In absence of a positive serology, the histological lesions sug-
in life. On the converse, a negative HLA test will exclude the gestive of CD may suggest the presence of conditions other
possibility of CD. All first-degree relatives should be screened than CD.
for celiac disease. Approximately 7% to 10% of first-degree The differential diagnosis includes infective diseases (tropical
relatives may develop CD; the risk varies considerably with sprue, giardiasis, cholera, H. pylori, HIV), immunodeficiency
their relationship with the index patient (the maximum risk in states, drug-induced enteropathy (olmesartan, mycophe-
presence of theHLAhaplotypeDR3-DQ2, especially homozy- nolate, chemotherapy), allergy (eosinophilic gastroenteritis,
gotes, the minimum in presence of DR4-DQ8). in children enteropathy caused by food allergy), radiation
Some other conditions (even if they may not be related patho- damage, graft-versus-host disease, chronic ischemia, Crohns
genically to CD) are considered at higher risk for CD. There- disease, and autoimmune enteropathy.
fore, there is the recommendation to test for CD the patients
affected with type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid
EXTRAINTESTINAL MANIFESTATIONS AND
disease, autoimmune liver disease, Down syndrome, Turner COMPLICATIONS
syndrome, Williams syndrome, and selective immunoglobulin There are increased risks for unexplained infertility (12%),
A (IgA) deficiency. osteoporosis (3040%), and bone fractures (35%) in classi-
cally symptomatic CD. Patients with (long-term untreated)
TREATMENT, THE GLUTEN-FREE DIET CD have an elevated mortality risk due to an increased risk
Patients with CD should not eat products containing wheat for for malignancy. In particular, CD has been related to higher
the rest of their lives. Patients should consult a dietitian who risk of malignant lymphomas, small-bowel adenocarcinoma,
is knowledgeable about gluten-free diets, especially during and oropharyngeal tumors. Likely, less than 1% of diagnosed
the first year after diagnosis. The safe limit of gluten intake patients may develop a severe complication called refractory
varies across patients and has been considered to be 10-100 CD, which is defined as persistence or recurrence of clini-
mg/day, although a subsequent study indicated that the upper cal symptoms and histopathological abnormalities despite
limit should be closer to more like 50 mg/day. excellent adherence to GFD for at least 12 months. Refrac-
Celiac patients cannot eat the following cereals and flours: tory CD must be considered, particularly in patients with CD
semolina, spelt, triticale, wheat germ, wheat starch, wheat diagnosed over the age of 50. This complication should be
bran, bulgur, couscous, durum flour, farro, gluten flour, Kamut, differentiated from the very common non-responsive CD,
WDHD May 29, 2016

which often is the consequence of persistent gluten intake Dietary lapses are the first cause of the lack of response to
(intentional or non-intentional) (see below). the treatment.
In case of persistence of symptoms in patients with CD
MANAGEMENT OF CELIAC DISEASE consider: overlapping irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or in-
The vast majority of CD patients report an improvement in advertent gluten ingestion (most common causes), but also
symptoms within fewweeks after starting the GFD. Although a wrong CD diagnosis. Consider also other diseases, such
most patients have a rapid clinical response to a GFD, the rate as lactose intolerance, food allergies other than wheat,
of response varies. pancreatic insufficiency, microscopic colitis, bacterial
Patients who are extremely ill may require hospital admis- overgrowth, IBS, ulcerative jejunitis, enteropathy-associated
sion, nutritional support, and, occasionally, steroids. With T-cell lymphoma, and refractory CD.
strict dietary adherence, the titer of CD-specific antibodies During the first year after diagnosis of CD it is important
falls. The complete histological resolution, however, may to check symptoms and laboratory tests (best predictors:
take years and may not be achieved in every patient. There quantitative determination of anti-DGP IgA and anti-tTG IgA)
is evidence that the lack of histological resolution could be and, if possible, to visit a nutritionist.
determined by persistent consumption of gluten. In women, a DEXA bone mineral density scan serves as a
baseline measure of bone mass.
Key issues when following up CD are: Facilitate the approach to support groups for CD patients.
Serological tests cannot detect minimal gluten intakes If necessary and/or requested, offer a psychological con-
(traces), so expert physicians and nutritionists should sultation.
evaluate of the clinical situation and the GFD.
Repeated duodenal biopsy to evaluate healing and for as-
sessing adherence to a GFD is a controversial area among
experts. However, intestinal biopsy should be considered
as mandatory in patients persisting with symptoms despite
evidence of strict GFD.
Cascade with resource-sensitive options for the diagnosis of celiac disease.

Resource level Cascade of diagnostic options
Gold standard Medical history and physical examination
Celiac diseasespecific antibodies assessment and intestinal biopsy
Anti-tTG IgA and anti-DGP IgG. Total IgA to exclude IgA deficiency.
Intestinal (duodenal) biopsies are always recommended
In certain situations biopsies may be omitted after discussing the pros and cons with an expert phy-
sician with special knowledge in celiac disease.
Medium resources Medical history and physical examination
Antibody assessment as a single diagnostic tool when endoscopy is not possible or trained patholo-
gists are not available; titer levels should be considered.
Intestinal biopsies as a single tool* in settings in which pathology is (perhaps remotely) available but
clinical laboratories cannot reach the required standards.
Low resources Medical history and physical examination
Antibody assessment as a single diagnostic tool
Start with testing anti-tTG IgA. If negative and still suspected for celiac disease, add total IgA or DGP-
IgG, if available.
Diagnosis only based on symptoms and/or response to the gluten-free diet is strongly discouraged.
WDHD May 29, 2016
MANAGING ADULT CELIAC DISEASE IN

THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC
CHRIS J.J. MULDER, MD, PHD G. BOUMA, MD, PHD
Dept. of Gastroenterology Celiac Center Amsterdam
Head of Department Dep. of Gastroenterology
Celiac Center Amsterdam VU University Medical Center
VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
INTRODUCTION adults.3 In children, histological normalization occurs within

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic enteropathy in genetically pre- 3-6 months, although antibody levels can take 1-1.5 years
disposed individuals in response to gluten intake.1 CD as we before normalization is reached. Compliance is often difficult,
know it is, rather than being a rare and incurable disease until especially when a patient is asymptomatic or does not have
the 1950s, both quite common in screening studies and read- the classical symptoms. It helps patients and their relatives to
ily treatable. The treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD).2 Most be properly informed about the chronic disease, the dos and
patients report clinical improvement within weeks. However, donts, and the risk of untreated CD to increase knowledge
mucosal recovery may last years after the start of a GFD.3 and encourage self-empowerment of the patients. Despite the
CD occurs only in patients who express HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8 importance of adequate information, leading celiac support
molecules.4 The prevalence of CD in adults varies between groups and working groups did not define guidelines so far to
one in 100 and one in 300 in most parts of the world.5 assess the outcome and standardize adherence to the GFD.
Three conditions are triggered by a systemic immune reaction FOLLOW UP IN GENERAL

to gluten consumption: celiac disease, the skin rash derma- There is a lack of data about the best logistic outpatient clinic
titis herpetiformis, and gluten ataxia, which involves damage approach of patients during a lifelong GFD. Amongst the
to the brain, especially the cerebellum. Celiac disease is a many guidelines for celiac follow-up, there is a lack of clarity
serious medical condition that requires a long-term follow-up regarding What, who, and when. We do follow-up with 700
plan to maintain excellent health and to prevent complica- patients at our out-clinic. In the past, we saw the majority of
tions from occurring. patients on a regular annual face-to-face follow-up. Now we
Maintaining a strict GFD is difficult in the East and West and control (if necessary by telephone and laboratory controls
has both financial and quality of life implications.6 Evidence- in their local cities) and make appointments at request. We
based follow-up for out clinic management should be devel- have the impression that the adherence to a gluten-free diet
oped in the years to come. improves by having a regular follow up, even by telephone,
within the setting of a dedicated celiac clinic.
GLUTEN FREE DIET The question is if with the adherence to a GFD, quality of life and
The one and only therapy for CD is a life-long gluten-free diet. the avoidance of complications is indeed improved. In the past,
Willem-Karel Dicke started this in the Netherlands in 1933; one of the key factors relating to the adherence to a GFD was
this is over 80 years ago.2 No food, beverages, or medica- supposed to be the quality of the dietician. Of course, GE-clinics
tions containing any amount of gluten from wheat, rye, barley, do have dietetic experience, but the majority of patients nowa-
spelt, kamut, or other gluten containing cereals can be taken; days also have excellent access to the internet and thereby to
even small quantities can be harmful. Only food and bever- websites advocating and explaining GFD; this is an advantage
ages with a gluten content of maximum 20 ppm are accepted. and a risk/ pitfall at the same time, as the internet is spoiled
Oats have been reported to be non-toxic in almost 100% of with erroneous information, confusing the necessarily strict
patients with CD.7 GFD will result in symptomatic, serologic, follow-up of the diet. The majority of patients manage their
and histological remission in most patients. With a strict GFD, diets without any problems as gluten free products are widely
antibody levels (tTgA and EMA) decrease very rapidly.1 How- available. The diet is difficult to follow for non-native speakers,
ever, histological normalization takes 2-5 years, especially in immigrants, illiterates, the elderly, and patients on a low budget.
WDHD May 29, 2016
MANAGING ADULT CELIAC DISEASE IN THE

OUTPATIENT CLINIC, continued
This is even more outspoken and problematic in the Middle- HISTOLOGICAL FOLLOW-UP
East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Latin America.6 Rates of mucosal healing are highly variable. In some studies
Only in the first years is dietetic follow-up part of the regular up to 40% of patients had persisting villous atrophy after two
follow-up. However, refractory celiac and gluten ataxia patients years and about 10% after five years on a GFD.3,11 This raises
should be controlled by a dietician every 6-12 months. the question whether symptoms alone constitute a reliable
FOLLOW UP SEROLOGY guide to mucosal healing. Ongoing villous atrophy can lead
to persisting deficiencies and problems such as osteoporosis
IgA tissue Transglutaminase (tTgA) is the preferred method
and mimic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Clinical symptoms,
for monitoring the quality of GFD-compliance. Minor dietary
celiac serology, and laboratory markers of inflammation are
mistakes are not detected by this. Interpreting this test is
unfortunately not robust enough measures to confirm muco-
straightforward, a celiac patient on a GFD for at least 6-12
sal healing. Until better non-invasive tests of mucosal healing
months should have a negative test. EMA can remain positive
can be developed, a repeat intestinal biopsy after one year
in follow-up during GFD for years. The tTgA levels should be
of GFD is recommended. The majority of patients diagnosed
as close to zero as possible, indicating a minimal antibody
after the age of 40-45 years do have a slow normalizing
response to gluten, or at least show a significant and ongoing
histological recovery. As part of our research, we repeated
dropping. A negative test is what most celiac patients want to
intestinal biopsies after one year of dietary therapy in the
see some time after beginning the GFD. A normal tTgA value
mid-nineties. However, this is not our approach in 2015. We
can sometimes be reached only after a year or more on the
repeat biopsies only in patients with severe abnormalities, es-
diet, especially if the initial value was very elevated. What
pecially if diagnosed above the age of 50, or based on lack of
matters is that the number declines consistently over time.
improvement and persistent or recurrent complaints.
One should be aware that in non-compliant patients, a mu-
cosal and serological relapse might develop even after many Our principal problem is whether re-biopsies indeed change
years of gluten challenge.8 the clinical outcomes in the majority of patients.
Also, there is no reliable way to monitor compliance with a Recently Biagi et al. showed that the majority of celiac patients
GFD. Recent studies indicate that measuring the amount of do not present a satisfactory histological response, and they
the protein I-FABP in the blood may provide in the future a suggested a duodenal biopsy to be the only tool that could
useful tool to supplement the currently accepted assays.9 identify patients with unsatisfactory histological response.12
LABORATORY FOLLOW UP ADHERENCE TO GFD

A significant decrease (or normalization) of markers for So far reports never defined the frequency of monitoring
malabsorption, such as fat in the stool, was the hallmark of for assessing compliance and outcome. Training families to
control until the late eighties. We rarely check for this any- adhere to GFD is important; consultation by gastroenterolo-
more as a standard procedure. For those presenting with se- gists and cooperating dieticians should take place every
vere malnutrition, as well as ongoing weight loss, we assess 4-8 months in the first year. Celiac families with additional
nutritional status and intestinal absorption capacity should screen-detected relatives need in general fewer controls, as
be assessed.10 Checking if the small intestine normalizes is they are already familiar with our advice about GFD.
mandatory: hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin Dietary adherence guarantees mucosal healing and at least
B12, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, and parathy- improvement of non-gastrointestinal symptoms. Non-invasive
roid hormone. We advise checking for the so-called common biomarkers for complete mucosal recovery might be useful.
associated autoimmune conditions (Thyroid-stimulating The majority of patients who normalize rapidly, with normal
hormone, Thyroid hormone), and finally tTgA to check the diet diet and a BMI 20-25, need less follow-up. In general, we ad-
adherence. The sensitivity of tTgA for the quality of diet advise controlling those patients in the out-clinic only once ev-
herence control is not well studied. The key endpoints in the ery two years. Patients with a lack of improvement we see at
clinical follow-up are normalization of weight, prevention of least twice a year. In between the two-year interval follow-up
overweight, and mucosal healing, which means normalization we ask the general practitioner to check serum hemoglobulin,
of histology to Marsh 0-1.
WDHD May 29, 2016

folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and tTgA and that Thyroid experience and supported by others, we suggest monitoring
function to be checked annually. body weight at diagnosis and nutritional serum parameters:
at least vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and (25-hy-
SYMPTOMS DURING FOLLOW-UP droxy) vitamin D of the fat soluble vitamins. Moreover, we
If patients present themselves with low BMI, we try to normal- suggest follow-up until serum values are at satisfying levels
ize the BMI between 18.5 - 25, and above 20 for elderly and or upon indication (bone density deviations, chronic or recur-
refractory celiac patients, however at the moment 40% of our rent diarrhea, or zinc related skin lesions).
newly diagnosed celiac patients are overweight with a BMI
Careful dietetic review once a year was part of the deal in our
over 25 kg/m2.15 In a substantial part of those patients, the
out clinic. However, the majority of well-educated patients
weight goes down in the first year after initiation of GFD, not
are reluctant to this approach. Therefore, inadvertent gluten
just because the diet is unpalatable, but also because some
intake is discussed during the out-clinic visit, especially in pa-
hungry feeling is disappearing. So far studies about the ap-
tients with a poor educational state or low-income families. In
propriate attitude for this subgroup are lacking. Normally BMI
that case, we check if there is adequate nutrient vitamin and
increases on the GFD. On GFD 15-20% of patients move from a
mineral intake. There is a lack of studies about GFD check in
normal or low BMI-class into an overweight BMI-class and 20
different countries.6 We and others have already reported 30
% of those already overweight at diagnosis gain weight.16
years ago that the dietary adherence is poor in a substantial
The disappearance of fatigue, especially in females over the part of patients.20 In our out-clinic we control around 30-40
age of 30, is one of the most significant problems and goals in patients who do not adhere at all. The majority of those pa-
daily clinic routine; the proportion of patients who do have a tients normalize the diet to an adequate GFD within five years
slow response to a gluten-free diet and/or histologic recovery of follow-up due to an increase in symptoms.
is another topic.1
Recently an Israeli study reported about pediatric celiac
SCREENING IN CELIAC FAMILIES patients who were lost to follow-up.21 This cohort had not only
We observed a high positive screening rate of 10% in both lowered adherence to GFD, but also failed periodic serologi-
first and second-degree relatives.17 However, there probably cal monitoring, which left them oblivious to the consequential
was a selection bias; only those relatives with a low threshold disease activity status. This is problematic in young patients,
for screening were screened. Maybe, this selection of patients who may not reach their growth potential (catch-up growth,
in the family already had (albeit minor) complaints. A large etc.) and are still too young to consider the long-term ef-
multi-center study from the USA showed a rate of only 5% in fects of their attitude with an enlarged risk for auto-immune
both first and second-degree relatives.18,19 We suggest that disease in general. Continuation time of mineral and vitamin
4-5% reflects the true rate in daily practice appropriately. interval has yet to be determined since patients are at risk for
Patients with a first-degree family member with a confirmed deficiencies even after 10 years of a GFD.22
diagnosis of CD should be offered to be tested if they show FOLLOW UP AND DERMATITIS
possible signs or symptoms of CD. We advise offering newly
diagnosed celiac patients screening on their first and second HERPETIFORMIS
family degree family members. Screening should include Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is the cutaneous manifestation
DQ2/8 typing, tTgA antibodies, hemoglobulin, folic acid, vita- of gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It is a herpetiform clustering
min B12, iron, and Thyroid function. of extremely itchy urticated papules, especially on the exten-
sor side of the elbows and knees, buttocks, and scalp.
FOLLOW UP AND DIETICIANS Improvement of DH with GFD takes several months accord-
Malabsorption, weight-loss, and vitamin/mineral deficien- ing to the current literature.23 However, remission can take
cies characterize classical CD. We recently reported that the some years, but is poorly documented in current literature.
majority of patients in an early diagnosis adult untreated Diamonodiphenyl sulfone and sulfapyridine are the primary
CD patient group, with non-classical presentation, had serum medications to treat DH. Diamonodiphenyl sulfone is almost
vitamin and mineral deficiencies at diagnosis.15 A majority of always indicated and initiated due to rash and the itching.
celiac patients were zinc deficient at diagnosis. Based on our
WDHD May 29, 2016

The exact mechanism of action is unknown but thought to FOLLOW UP AND BONES
be related to inhibition of neutrophil migration and function. Long-term adherence to GFD leads to significant improve-
Patients should be monitored for the adverse effects of di- ment in bone density. However, we see major abnormalities
amonodiphenyl sulfone, primary hemolytic anaemia, methe- in bone density in our population diagnosed above 50 years of
moglobinaemia, agranulocytosis, and neuropathy. For patients age, females as well as males. All of these high-risk patients
unable to tolerate dapsone, sulfapyridine may be substituted; for bone fractures should be treated with calcium and vitamin
however dapsone does not improve GI mucosal pathology. D. All osteopenia/ osteoporotics in these age-groups are
More than 70% of patients on GFD are able to slowly wean off treated for 36 months with intravenous bisphosphonates, four
dapsone over a period of 2-3 years.24 More than 90% of our times per year 60mg APD. During our yearly follow-up we
80-100 DH patients on a strict GFD cannot wean off dapsone measure calcium, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, and Para-
in the first years. More than 50% of patients go on for at least thyroid hormone for a compensatory increase of the bone
5-10 years. No reports are available on long term follow up of mass. Bone density should be measured in every adult newly
dapsone in DH. diagnosed celiac patient.
FOLLOW UP AND GLUTEN ATAXIA A 24-months treatment course with risedronate 35mg once
Of the three gluten-induced conditions, gluten ataxia is the weekly, concomitant with calcium and Vitamin D supple-
only one without a straightforward path to diagnosis.24 In fact, mentation, in osteopenic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
although awareness is growing, it has not been accepted by patients improved bone density.27 Similar studies are urgently
all mainstream neurologists. needed in CD.
If any antibodies to gluten are present in lab tests, then our rec- Appropriate criteria for follow-up bone density in daily prac-
ommendation is to consider for all ataxia patients with no al- tice for CD are lacking. We repeat bone density investigation
ternative cause for their ataxia to start GFD for 12-24 months. in the case of osteopenia in general after an interval of three
Stabilization or even improvement after 1 2 years would be a years. In general, gastroenterologists pay more attention to
strong argument that the patients suffer from gluten ataxia.25 post-menopausal women with CD in supplementation of cal-
We need proper observational studies about this issue. cium than to males; however, we do have the impression that
the lumbar spine quality of males is more severely hampered
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT IN FOLLOW-UP than in females.
Follow-up can be arranged in primary care as long as the
expertise is available. Unfortunately, the critical number of HYPOSPLENISM
celiac patients per general physician is insufficient. In the Hyposplenism associated with CD may result from impaired
Netherlands, only 25,000 patients are known in a popula- immunity to encapsulate pathogenic microorganisms. Arbi-
tion of 16 million inhabitants. We have around 10,000 GPs. trarily, we vaccinate all celiac patients with a spleen volume
This means that a general GP controls as a mean only 2.5 below 100cc with Pneumovac.
patients. This suggests that their expertise is insufficient. The
number of gastroenterologists in the country is 500, so in MICROSCOPIC COLITIS
general, gastroenterologists should control at least 50 celiac Microscopic colitis (MC), including lymphocytic and collag-
patients per doctor. Prompt access for our celiac patients to enous colitis, are associated with autoimmune disorders,
specialized centers around the country is recommended but especially with CD. In case celiac patients during follow-up
not well-organized. So far only 15-20 gastroenterologists develop watery diarrhea, we always screen for MC.28 MC is
in our country are devoted to CD. However, access to those very common in our celiac center, maybe even too common
doctors is limited; the majority of them is each controlling based on selection bias in our referral celiac patients. We
only 150-200 celiac patients per year. Access for patients to treat them with slow release budesonide (Entocort) for three
a well-trained celiac interested gastroenterologists is limited. months and in the case of a relapse with thiopurines espe-
Secondary, especially tertiary, care is recommended if com- cially tioguanide (thiosix).29
plicated CD arises. It should be noted that this care is not well
organized, not only in Europe, but worldwide.
WDHD May 29, 2016

(PRE)-MALIGNANT CELIAC CONDITIONS COLON CANCER

There is an increased risk for malignancies, already recog- Unfortunately, CD has strongly been suggested in the past to
nized over 50 years ago.30 Small-bowel cancer, cancer of the be related with some site specific intestinal malignancies. In
esophagus, female celiac patients in their twenties and thir- contrast to this, according to the available reports the risk of
ties with B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and seniors in their colorectal cancer (CRC) has been described a similar or lower
sixties for Enteropathy Associated T-cell Lymphomas (EATL) to that of the general population.36 Untreated CD may be pro-
are well recognized in current literature.1 tective, probably owing to impaired absorption of fat, hydro-
Celiac disease is a common diagnosis, but malignant out- carbons, and putative co-carcinogens implicated in the patho-
comes are rare. EATL is such an infrequent complication that genesis of CRC, which may be poorly absorbed and rapidly
the majority of gastroenterologists may never see it amongst excreted.37 The reflex of gastroenterologists when patients
the population of celiac patients they diagnose and see for present with diarrhea at their out-clinics is to recommend a
follow-up.31,32 colonoscopy with a very low threshold, so the majority of the
elder celiac patient population already had a colonoscopy at
Evidence suggests the risk for increased mortality and ma- diagnosis or follow-up.
lignancies is reduced in those who adhere to the diet. How-
ever, EATLs present themselves especially in those patients RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
diagnosed above 50 years of age.30 Only 10% of patients Cardiovascular diseases that have been suggested to be as-
referred to us with suspicion for (Pr)-EATL are diagnosed with sociated with CD include ischemic heart disease (IHD), cere-
those complications.32 The risks of malignancy related to CD brovascular events, and cardiomyopathy. The risk of IHD may
reported in literature are likely to remain overestimated ow- be related to the pro-inflammatory activated immune cells
ing to either bias or confounding.32,33 like in Rheumatoid arthritis38 and with low folic acid state,
could affect the development of arteriosclerotic lesions.
REFRACTORY CELIAC DISEASE
In the situation of non-responsiveness to a GFD, dietary adher- In 2004, West et al. studied almost 4,000 patients with CD with
ence should be meticulously evaluated. Monitoring levels of respect to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease,
tTgA and/or EMA are suitable for this purpose. Additionally, all and stroke.39 However, they showed a lower prevalence of
patients should be referred to a skilled dietician. When inadver- hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia in CD in comparison
tent gluten ingestion is reasonably excluded, the CD diagnosis with controls. GFD gives a significant increase in BMI and
should be re-evaluated. Absence of the CD-related genotypes cholesterol in celiac patients adherent to the diet.40 There is
(HLA-DQ2.5 or HLA DQ8) at diagnosis is highly suggestive of a body of reports published on cardiovascular risks in celiac
misdiagnosis. When other causes or VA have been excluded, patients, however, conclusions of some studies are at odds
these patients are referred to as refractory CD (RCD). with each other. The co-occurrence of T1DM in some celiac
patients should be taken into consideration.41
Since 2001, we have divided RCD into two types based on the
absence (Type I) or presence (type II) of an, usually clonal, When we find arteriosclerosis during abdominal CT in the
intraepithelial lymphocyte population with aberrant pheno- work-up of complicated CD referred for second opinion we
type.34 Our diagnostic approach and the latest insights in start aspirin 100mg daily and keep the cholesterol below
treatment options are readily available in literature.4 4 mmol/L. Recent studies, however, did not recognize an
increased risk of IHD in celiac patients.39
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
CONCLUSION
Around 90% of all esophageal cancers are related to lifestyle,
such as tobacco, alcohol, diet, and overweight. Esophageal A life-long GFD improves health and the quality of life in a
cancer is more than 10 times higher in patients with Bar- vast majority of patients with CD, even in those with minimal
rets esophagus. However, esophageal cancer is also higher symptoms.1
in people with CD.35 In case of Barrets esophagus, we screen GFD is in daily practice (especially in the second and third
our celiac patients in follow-up. Otherwise, we do not screen world) difficult to sustain, owing to several barriers including
them for this minor risk factor. social, cultural, economical, and practical aspects. Adher-
WDHD May 29, 2016

ence to the diet varies and has been reported to range Table 1: Follow-up plan for patients with Celiac Disease in the VUmc
between 40-90%. The majority of the middle-class pa- AT DIAGNOSIS (PHYSICIAN AND DIETITIAN)
tients manage their diet without any problems. The diet Complete physical examination
is difficult for underprivileged patients. Pediatric data Education on celiac disease
have shown that regular follow-up is associated with a Gluten-Free dietary counselling by a skilled dietician
significant increase in long-term compliance with GFD. Recommend family screening (DQ2/D8 and celiac serology)
Medical follow-up by gastroenterologists interested in Recommend membership in celiac support group
CD is, in our opinion, essential for monitoring patients Bone Densitometry (not routinely recommended for children)
with CD to identify and prevent nutritional deficiencies, Celiac serology (if not previously obtained)
medical complications, and support adherence to GFD. Routine Tests (complete blood count, iron studies, folate,
However, the best way to follow up celiac patients has thyroid function tests, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate,
not yet been established. vitamin D, and DQ2/8)
We do see the majority of our patients face-to-face AT 2-4 MONTHS (PHYSICIAN AND DIETITIAN)
every two years and in between by telephone within Assess symptoms and coping skills
our setting of a dedicated celiac clinic (see Table 1). We Dietary review
hope to standardize this with celiac support groups and
workings groups to assess the outcome and standard- AT 6 MONTHS (PHYSICIAN) (BY TELEPHONE)
ize the adherence to a GFD.42 Assess symptoms
Complete physical examination (on indication)
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2. van Berge-Henegouwen GP, Mulder CJ . Pioneer Abdominal physical examination (on indication)
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1962, over 50 years of gluten free diet. Gut. 1993 Celiac serology (tTgA)
Nov;34(11):1473-5. Repeat Other Routine Tests
Small intestinal biopsy (not routinely recommended for children)
3. Wahab PJ, Meijer JW, Mulder CJ. Histologic follow-
up of people with celiac disease on a gluten-free AT 24 MONTHS (PHYSICIAN) (BY TELEPHONE AS CLINICALLY
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2002 Sep;118(3):459-63. Assess symptoms
Dietary review
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Bouma G. Update on the diagnosis and manage- Thyroid function tests
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5. Biagi F, Vattiato C, Agazzi S, Balduzzi D, Schiepatti AT 36 MONTHS (PHYSICIAN)
A, Gobbi P, Corazza GR. A second duodenal biopsy is Bone densitometry (if previously abnormal)
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Ann Med. 2014 Sep;46(6):430-3. Dietary review
6. Makharia GK, Mulder CJ, Goh KL, Ahuja V, Bai JC, Celiac Serology
Catassi C, Green PH, Gupta SD, Lundin KE, Ramak- Thyroid function tests
rishna BS, Rawat R, Sharma H, Sood A, Watanabe Test as clinically indicated
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WDHD May 29, 2016
EATING DISORDERS AND THE GI TRACT:

DEFINITION, RECOGNITION, THE ROLE
OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST IN CARE
SIMON R. KNOWLES, MPSYC (CLINICAL), PHD
Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology
Department of Psychology, Faculty Health, Arts, and Design, Swinburne University of Technology
Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne
Department of Psychiatry, St Vincents Hospital
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
GEOFF HEBBARD, MBBS, BMEDSCI, PHD

Gastroenterologist and Director of Gastroenterology at Royal Melbourne Hospital
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital
DAVID CASTLE, MBCHB, MSC, MD

Consultant Psychiatrist and Chair of Psychiatry at St Vincents Hospital
Department of Psychiatry, St Vincents Hospital
INTRODUCTION Feeding or Eating Disorder, and atypical conditions associated

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a group of psychiatric dis- with mental health problems (e.g., muscle dysmorphia), may
orders which commonly have significant concurrent gastro- also present at an adult GI practice, but are beyond the scope
intestinal (GI) symptoms, creating significant management of this chapter.
challenges for gastroenterologists, psychologists, and other DEFINITION AND PREVALENCE OF EDS
health professionals involved in their care. Further, diagnosis
AN and BN share a common focus on an individuals self-
is made more challenging due to the cyclical patterns associ-
evaluation being strongly influenced by their body shape or
ated brain-gut interactions associated with EDs (e.g., psycho-
weight. In AN, an individual is of a significantly lower weight
pathology and behaviors associated with EDs can influence GI
than would be expected. Despite this low weight, there is a
function and in turn GI function can influence psychopathol-
strong fear of gaining weight that is accompanied by restric-
ogy and behaviors). At the core of all EDs are abnormalities
tions of energy intake to prevent weight gain. Individuals with
of eating or eating-related behaviors resulting in altered
AN may belong to a subtype that is restrictive and achieves
consumption and/or absorption leading to significant impair-
weight loss through low food intake or high exercise or to a
ment in health and/or psychosocial functioning.1 The most
binge-eating/purging subtype that eat large quantities of food
common EDs which may present to an adult gastrointestinal
and use compensatory methods to control weight (e.g., vomit-
(GI) practice are Anorexia Nervosa (AN; Restricting type or
ing, laxatives, or exercise). AN has a 12-month prevalence of
Binge-eating/purging type), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge-Eat-
0.4% and is more common in young females. In contrast, in-
ing Disorder (BED), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Dis-
dividuals with BN, although also engaging in binge-eating and
order (ARFID). It should be noted that several other EDs, such
purging to control weight, are not significantly underweight
as Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, Unspecified
WDHD May 29, 2016
EATING DISORDERS AND THE GI TRACT: DEFINITION,

RECOGNITION, THE ROLE OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST IN CARE, continued
and instead experience a sense of lacking control during RECOGNITION OF EDS IN GI PRACTICE:
binge-eating episodes. BN has a 12-month prevalence of 1.0- Individuals with EDs have been found to frequently approach
1.5% and is also more common in females.1 practitioners regarding physical GI symptoms prior to talking
In contrast, BED and ARFIDs are more focused on the food or about EDs.2 A recent systematic review (based on four studies
the process of eating itself. In BED, episodes of binge-eating with total of 691 GI patients) suggests that disordered eating
occur with a sense of lacking control, however, there are no patterns occur in around 23% of GI patients.5 Gastroenterolo-
compensatory methods to control weight. Instead, after eat- gists can help patients with EDs by being aware of EDs and
ing large amounts without feeling hungry, an individual may routinely screening patients for these, as some symptoms
conceal symptoms, feel guilty, depressed, or disgusted with may become salient during psychological distress.4 Estab-
themselves. The BED group may also be under recognized lishing a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals
in part because they do not fit the young female stereotype. (such as physicians, registered dieticians, psychologists, and
BED has a 12-month prevalence of 1.6% in females and 0.8% psychiatrists) may also be helpful.6 This can help patients with
in males. ARFIDs involve falling below energy and nutritional EDs to receive support for their EDs and avoid unnecessary
needs due to a lack of interest in eating, dislike for the sensa- and potentially dangerous tests and/or hospitalization, whilst
tion of food, or concern for possible consequences of eating having their FGID symptoms and also the physical complica-
(e.g., choking or vomiting).1 tions of their EDs managed appropriately.
COMMON GI COMPLAINTS REPORTED BY SIGNS TO HELP IDENTIFY GI PATIENTS
INDIVIDUALS WITH EDS WITH EDS
It is very common for individuals with EDs to experience GI Younger female demographic
symptoms. For example, in BN compensatory methods to Psychological distress or comorbid mental disorder
control weight after a binge-eating episode can include self- Concerned with size or shape of body
induced vomiting or laxative abuse. The use of these meth- Underweight or over-eating
ods can be problematic for GI health and lead to a variety Excessive focus on foods and engagement with restrictive
of complications, such as dental, esophageal, motility, or eating patterns based upon beliefs relating to foods (e.g.,
impaired gastric emptying.2 Conditions such as AN are often most healthy/pure)
associated with abnormal GI sensations and motility, however Erosion of tooth enamel
some of these may be reversible with weight gain and others Reflux symptoms
may relate to underlying psychiatric manifestations, pos- Extensive investigations required to identify GI issue
sibly a common cause (such as previous abuse). Individuals Functional motility disorders
with EDs who attend a GI clinic prior to ED treatment request Score on an ED screening survey
more tests and have more hospital admissions than other GI
patients or ED patients who first attend ED treatment.3 Addi- TREATMENT OF EDS
tionally, individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders The latest guidelines from the American Psychiatric Associa-
(FGIDs) are significantly more likely to have a history of eating tion6 and the UK based National Institute for Clinical Excel-
disorders than a gallstone disease comparison group, indicat- lence7 provide detailed and evidence-based recommendations
ing that coexisting GI symptoms may persist after the ED has in the treatment of EDs. The first steps in the treatment for AN
resolved.4 Both upper and lower GI symptoms are common and BN are to restore a healthy weight, reduce or eliminate
among individuals with EDs,2 and the eating disorder itself binge-eating or purging, and to treat any physical complica-
may be hidden by the GI symptoms. Consequently, aware- tions of the disorders.6 Focus should also include goal setting
ness of EDs in gastroenterologists is important as patients to restore a healthy eating pattern and the provision of nutri-
with EDs may approach them before approaching other pro- tional information on how to achieve this. Additionally, therapy
fessionals, such as a psychologist. is recommended to reassess unhelpful thinking, treat comor-
bidity, build family support, and to prevent relapse. Patients
are often treated in the outpatient setting, and may benefit
WDHD May 29, 2016

Table 1: Definition and summary of the primary forms of ED-focused treatment of ARFID. No treatments have been recommended
psychological therapies for ARFID, due to a lack of research trials.12 Although it has
been found hospitalization tends to be longer than in AN.13 It
Psychological treatment form and definition:
should be noted that psychological therapies for EDs range
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT): in terms of their format (individual, group, or combined),
Symptoms targeted directly to re-evaluate thinking (i.e., frequency, and duration, for a detailed summary and recom-
identifying and correcting negative core beliefs/unhelpful mendations for the treatment of EDs.6,7 See Table 1 for defini-
thoughts), promote helpful behavioral responses, and tion and summary of several common forms of ED-focused
reduce individual distress. Focus on unhelpful behaviors psychological therapies.
and dysfunctional attitudes relating to eating, weight,
body shape, exercise, and other psychosocial issues (e.g., ROLE OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST FOR PATIENTS
bullying, and family discordance). WITH EDS
Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Provide psychological assessment and associated ED-spe-
Interventions that have a primary focus on understanding cific psychological interventions
and working with transference (the unconscious Develop treatment formulations that identify and take into
transferring of feelings from one person to another). Focus account patient predisposing factors (e.g., developmental
is to foster psychological insight and address underlying traumas, attachment style, and cognitive development),
personality disorders. precipitating factors (e.g., stressors), perpetuating factors
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): (e.g., defense styles, level of insight, and ED maintaining
Disordered eating is viewed as an attempt to regulate cognitions/behaviors), protective factors (e.g., personal
uncomfortable emotions, and are treated with mindfulness, strengths), and ED severity
tolerance of distress, regulation of emotion, and interpersonal Provide psychological interventions associated with, but
skills. Regulating emotions can address the sense of losing not directly related to, the eating disorder, such as school/
control and binge-eating, reducing its frequency. socialization problems, and family difficulties
Provide input to team treatment plan for patient with an ED
Family Therapy (FT; e.g., The Maudsley Approach):
Providing psychoeducation to both patients and families
Interventions that incorporate the whole family system
affected by an ED
and focus on fostering new skills in relationships,
Providing ongoing advice and support to medical and allied
communication, and problem-solving. When individuals are
health team
younger and of shorter illness duration, parental support of
Facilitate insight, self-esteem, and psychological and physi-
re-nutrition is effective.
cal recovery
Facilitate positive coping strategies and resilience to man-
from psychotropic medications such as selective serotonin age future stress and challenges
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).7 Work with medical and allied health professionals to moni-
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT; including self-help oriented tor and reduce patient self-harm
CBT) and Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have As relapse is extremely common for AN, BN, and BED,
been identified as an effective treatment for AN, BN, and long term monitoring and relapse prevention work is often
BED.7,8 For BN, both CBT and IPT, but not Dialectical Behav- needed
ioral Therapy (DBT), are effective in reducing binge-eating ORTHOREXIA NERVOSA
and compensatory methods, and also decreased body dis-
Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a dysfunctional eating condition
satisfaction.9 CBT has also been demonstrated to reduce the
not yet recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
frequency of binge-eating episodes in adults diagnosed with
(DSM-5),1 but may be observed in GI cohorts.
BED.10 Specifically regarding AN, Family Therapy (FT) shows
the most potential when patients are younger and in the ear- ON involves an obsession with an increasingly limited diet
lier stages of their ED.11 The research is less advanced in the focused upon consuming the most healthy or pure foods and
WDHD May 29, 2016

the focus is not related to losing weight or reducing energy 3. Emmanuel AV, Stern J, Treasure J, Forbes A, Kamm MA:
intake. The exclusion of foods that are categorized as less Anorexia nervosa in gastrointestinal practice. Euro-
healthy or pure can lead to malnutrition and have a signifi- pean Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2004;
cant impact on psychosocial wellbeing. In a recent review, 16(11):1135-1142.
Varga and colleagues14 identify that the average prevalence of 4. Porcelli P, Leandro G, De Carne M: Functional gastroin-
ON in a general population is 6.9% and up to 57.8% in high- testinal disorders and eating disorders. Relevance of the
risk groups such as healthcare professionals and artists. association in clinical management. Scand J Gastroenterol
No research has tested the efficacy of a treatment for ON.15 1998; 33(6):577-582.
Koven and Abry15 suggest that a combination of CBT and psy-
chotropic medication may be efficacious due to the success in 5. Satherley R, Howard R, Higgs S: Disordered eating prac-
treating AN and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. However, re- tices in gastrointestinal disorders. Appetite 2014; 84:240-
cent research suggests that 30% of outpatients with AN or BN 250.
can go on to develop ON after treatment.16 As such, it is also 6. American Psychiatric Association: Practice guideline for
important to notice whether a previous restriction or compen- the treatment of patients with eating disorders. Arlington,
sation becomes a preoccupation with food that is categorized VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2006.
as healthy or impure.
7. National Institute for Clinical Excellence: Eating disorders:
CONCLUSION Core interventions in the treatment and management
Individuals with EDs often have GI symptoms for which they of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and related eating
may seek treatment with a gastroenterologist before seek- disorders. London: British Psychological Society; 2004.
ing treatment for the symptoms of their ED. This can result in 8. Australian Psychological Society: Evidence Based Psy-
unnecessary tests, hospitalizations, and missed opportunity chological Interventions in the Treatment of Mental Disor-
to address their underlying distress. It is an ongoing chal- ders: A Literature Review; 2011.
lenge for gastroenterologists to identify and support patients 9. Shapiro JR, Berkman ND, Brownley KA, Sedway JA, Lohr
with EDs. However, screening for EDs and establishing a team KN, Bulik CM: Bulimia nervosa treatment: a systematic
approach can help effectively treat EDs and any physical review of randomized controlled trials. International Jour-
complications effectively, and work toward the best outcome nal of Eating Disorders 2007; 40(4):321-336.
for ED patients.
10. Brownley KA, Berkman ND, Sedway JA, Lohr KN, Bulik
Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank Ms. Sa- CM: Binge eating disorder treatment: a systematic review
rina Cook for her work in reviewing the material and integra- of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of
tion of content. We also thank Janine Lemon, Psychologist Eating Disorders 2007; 40(4):337-348.
based at the Eating Disorders Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
and Dr. Naomi Crafti, Psychologist and Senior Research Fel- 11. Bulik C, Berkman N, Brownley K, Sedway J, Lohr K:
low, Monash University, for their valuable feedback and advice Anorexia nervosa treatment: a systematic review of
regarding the article. randomized controlled trials. The International journal of
eating disorders 2007; 40(4):310-320.
REFERENCES 12. Hay P, Chinn D, Forbes D, Madden S, Newton R, Sugenor
1. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Sta- L, Touyz S, Ward W: Royal Australian and New Zealand
tistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In., 5. edn. College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the
Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing,; 2013: treatment of eating disorders. Australian and New Zealand
1 online resource (992 p.). Journal of Psychiatry 2014; 48(11):977-1008.
2. Winstead NS, Willard SG: Gastrointestinal complaints in
patients with eating disorders. Journal of Clinical Gastro-
enterology 2006, 40(8):678-682.
WDHD May 29, 2016

13. Strandjord SE, Sieke EH, Richmond M, Rome ES: Avoid-
ant/restrictive food intake disorder: Illness and hospital
course in patients hospitalized for nutritional insufficien-
cy. Journal of Adolescent Health 2015; 57(6):673-678.
14. Varga M, Dukay-Szabo S, Tury F, van Furth EF: Evidence
and gaps in the literature on orthorexia nervosa. Eat
Weight Disord 2013; 18(2):103-111.
15. Donini L, Marsili D, Graziani M, Imbriale M, Cannella C:
Orthorexia nervosa: a preliminary study with a proposal
for diagnosis and an attempt to measure the dimension
of the phenomenon. Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies
on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity 2004; 9(2):151-157.
16. Koven NS, Abry AW: The clinical basis of orthorexia
nervosa: emerging perspectives. Neuropsychiatric disease
and treatment 2015; 11:385.
17. Segura-Garcia C, Ramacciotti C, Rania M, Aloi M, Caro-
leo M, Bruni A, Gazzarrini D, Sinopoli F, De Fazio P: The
prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among eating disorder
patients after treatment. Eating and Weight Disorders-
Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity 2015; 20(2):161-
166.
WDHD May 29, 2016
PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS FOR

GUT HEALTH: THE ESSENTIALS
YEONG YEH LEE, MD, PHD, FRCP, FACG Table 1: Clinical indications of probiotics for gut health
School of Medical Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia PEDIATRIC
Kota Bharu, Malaysia Acute infectious diarrhea
Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Prevention of nosocomial diarrhea
Adjuvant therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Alleviate some symptoms of functional bowel disorders
Infantile colic
MIN TZE LIONG, PHD Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants
School of Industrial Technology Mildly active ulcerative colitis
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia ADULTS
Acute onset infectious diarrhea
Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Adjuvant therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Irritable bowel syndrome
KHEAN LEE GOH, MBBS, MD, FRCP, Ulcerative colitis (maintenance of remission, treatment
FASGE, FACG of mildly active colitis and pouchitis, and prevention and
Faculty of Medicine maintenance of remission in pouchitis)
Universiti of Malaya Constipation
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Hepatic encephalopathy
VIABILITY OF PROBIOTICS
Probiotic bacteria exert their effects by transiently adhering
Probiotics, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO),
to the intestinal mucosa and eventually the strains would
are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate
pass out in the feces. Fecal recovery is useful as an indirect
amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.1 It is specified by
measure of gut colonization. The half-life of a probiotic can
genus, species, and strain (using an alphanumeric designa-
vary from strain-to-strain, but it has been established that
tion) for example Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. Common
certain microbial strains survive and remain detectable in
probiotic species include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Sac-
stools for up to four weeks after discontinuation of intake.
charomyces (a yeast), and some E. coli and Bacillus species.
Survival in the host for a longer period may require continu-
Probiotic strains must be assessed for biosafety based on
ous intake, but whether prolonged colonization is beneficial
the seven criteria listed by the European Union (EU).2 Clinical
remains unclear. A third of probiotics are estimated to survive
indications of probiotics for gut health are given in Table 1.
in adequate numbers in order to affect gut microbial metabo-
Prebiotics are selectively fermented ingredients that allow lism and exert its intended clinical responses.
specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in
The probiotic preparations available in the market include
the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host
capsules, sachets, yogurts, and fermented milk or fruit drinks.
well-being and health.2 The common prebiotics include the
There are also external factors that affect viability of probiot-
fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS),
ics, including storage (refrigeration or shelf) and transporta-
lactulose, and inulin. Given together (synbiotics), prebiotics
tion. Microbial strains are sensitive to external environment
can enhance the gut effects of probiotics.
(in particular to oxygen, moisture, and heat). Furthermore, in
order to be viable in the gut, probiotics should be able to toler-
ate gastric acid, bile, and pancreatin; adhere to mucus and/or
WDHD May 29, 2016

GUT HEALTH: THE ESSENTIALS, continued
human epithelial cells; possess antimicrobial activity against production. Tripathi et al reviewed the literatures on acid and
potentially pathogenic bacteria; reduce pathogen surface ad- bile tolerance of several Bifidobacteria species and noted
hesion; possess bile salt hydrolase activity; and be resistant that Bifidobacterium longum survived best.6 Some Lactobacil-
to spermicides. Depending on the final applications and entry lus species are able to survive in environments between pH
routes of hosts, most industries will first pre-screen puta- 3.7 up to 6.0. Presently, commercial products have addressed
tive probiotic strains for these properties prior to health and this issue by providing more effective delivery systems via
nutraceutical assessments. microencapsulation, enhanced coatings, and drying methods
to enhance strain viability. Consumption would clearly depend
DOSING AND TIMING OF PROBIOTICS on individual probiotic strain properties, as well as, product
The optimal effective dose at which probiotics produce clini- formulation.
cal benefit remains unclear. Present clinical studies have
utilized a minimum daily therapeutic dose of 106 to 109 colony SAFETY OF PROBIOTICS
forming units (CFU).3 The duration of probiotic therapy also The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defined probiotics
varies among hosts and targeted therapeutic effects, and as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).7 However, there are
thus it is advisable for probiotics to be taken continuously. many commercial probiotic preparations available with dif-
Although host and physiology dependent, Saccharomyces bou- ferent species, strains, and efficacy. Therefore, safety assess-
lardii has been reported to be cleared from the body within ments are strain-specific and the GRAS status does not cover
three to five days after stopping as compared to Enterococ- all probiotic products per se. The European Union (EU) project
cus faecium, which reportedly persisted for five weeks after on biosafety evaluation of probiotics (PROSAFE) recommends
probiotic intake in humans. A meta-analysis by Ritchie et the following safety measures: proper identification of micro-
al. reported that some probiotic strains showed significant bial strain via biochemical and molecular methods; determi-
clinical efficacy when taken for as little as one week up to nation of antibiotic resistance and transfer; standard antimi-
240 weeks.4 Hunger et al. suggested that probiotics should be crobial susceptibility testing; in vitro assessment of virulence;
taken for at least one month in those with lower gastrointesti- and in vivo assessment of strain pathogenicity.8
nal (GI) symptoms5 and a longer period is needed for meta- The Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
bolic diseases. Various factors affect such dosing variations; together with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have
a) the original gut microbiota profile of hosts, as probiotics reviewed in detail the existing literatures on safety of probiot-
need to colonize to exert certain health benefits and should ics.7 Amid rare systematic reporting of adverse events, the
the original gut microorganisms prevent such colonization, authors concluded that present randomized controlled trials
thus the effects of probiotics are hindered; b) the diet and (RCTs) did not show an increased risk of adverse events for
physiology of hosts such as fibers and polysaccharide intake children, adults, or elderly.7 In this regard, probiotics can be
which alter the unstirred layer of the intestinal epithelium will theoretically consumed in people of all ages. Common side ef-
change the attachment of probiotics to gut lining; c) gut-relat- fects include abdominal cramps, nausea, flatulence, and taste
ed diseases which increase the concentration of toxic metab- disturbances, which are usually observed only in the first
olites to probiotics will hinder their survival; d) metabolism of three days of consumption and may not be attributed to the
hosts often vary, leading to different dosage and time needed probiotics. Excipient materials used for production and the
for a beneficial effect to be materialized; e) unlike drugs, most addition of prebiotics to probiotics can impart GI side effects
mechanisms and specific targeted sites of health benefits by due to their indigestible nature. Although rare, certain probi-
probiotics remain unknown, thus variation will remain. otic strains could produce more acids than others, leading to
No definite recommendation on proper timing of probiotic increased gut motility and subsequently exerting gut discom-
consumption has been made so far. Certain strains, such as fort. This is normally not detrimental to health and may actu-
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii, may ally be useful in combating pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
be administered before a meal or just after a fat-containing The most important concern regarding probiotic use is the
meal to avoid resistance to gastric acid but many commercial risk of sepsis. Probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus casei
strains nowadays have been tested for acid resistance before and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have been observed to cause
WDHD May 29, 2016

infective endocarditis and liver abscess in immuno-compro- Some resistance traits are in-borne chromosomal and non-
mised hosts. Several cases of fungal sepsis have been docu- plasmid associated and thus are allowed as a natural trait in
mented in relation to Saccharomyces boulardii in patients with certain genera of probiotics. These are allowed within certain
central venous catheters.7 Although the exact mechanisms for resistance allowance limits.
bacterial translocation remain unknown, host factors such as Another debatable issue is the inhibitory effect that antibiotics
intestinal mucosal injury, immunodeficiency, and abnormal have on probiotics. Probiotics have been used as an adjunct
intestinal flora are likely important reasons. to prevent antibiotic-induced super-infections. For example,
The following risk factors for sepsis are associated with pro- Saccharomyces boulardii has protective effect for antibiotic-
biotic, namely: (1) major risk factors - immunocompromised associated diarrhea. Likewise, concomitant probiotics and
host and premature infants; (2) minor risk factors - pres- antibiotics can reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile-
ence of a central venous catheter, history of cardiac valvular associated diseases in high-risk patients. Studies, however,
disease, impaired intestinal epithelial barrier, concomitant ad- differed in the timing of probiotic administration after anti-
ministration of broad spectrum antibiotics to which probiotic biotics. Some patients are given probiotics within 48 hours
is resistant, administration by jejunostomy tube, and probi- of antibiotic initiation up to the entirety of antibiotic course
otics with properties of high mucosal adhesion. Premature and some up to seven to 10 days after. It is recommended
infants, patients with chronic diseases, and/or debilitation are that Lactobacilli probiotic strains be given at least two to four
also considered as high-risk populations. Probiotics, though hours after antibiotic, unlike S. boulardii.
generally safe, should be used in caution in these specific Figure 1 summarizes the factors affecting the probiotic life
patient groups. cycle and current challenges in the use of probiotics.
ROLE OF PREBIOTICS
All prebiotics are fibers but not vice versa. Some prebiotics
(e.g. galacto-oligosaccharides or inulin-type fructans) exert
similar functions as the human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)
and are important for the development of metabolic, immune,
and nervous systems of infants.9 A specific mixture of short-
chain galactooligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fruc-
tooligosaccharides (lcFOS) in a 9:1 ratio has been suggested
for infant use. Generally, prebiotics improves gut metabolism,
stool consistency, and stool transit by increasing bacterial
mass and osmotic water-binding capacity in the gut lumen,
thereby reducing the risk of constipation.10 Other gut modu-
latory benefits of prebiotic supplementation include allevia-
Figure 1: Factors affecting the probiotic life cycle and current chal- tion of GI discomfort (e.g. bloating, flatulence and abdominal
lenges in the use of probiotics pain) and reduction of the risk of immune-related diseases,
infection, and inflammation. Fermentation of prebiotics in the
PROBIOTICS-ANTIBIOTICS INTERACTIONS colon generates short-chain fatty acids in particular butyr-
A theoretical interaction is the potential for antibiotic-resis- ate. Colonic inflammation is associated with low production
tance transfer between probiotics and pathogenic bacteria, of butyrate. Prebiotics can also enhance calcium absorption,
as a result of chromosomal mutations or horizontal gene mainly the fructans.
transfer. Antibiotic resistance to vancomycin, chlorampheni-
SUMMARY
col, and erythromycin have been identified in Lactobacillus
species. Again, this emphasizes the importance of appropriate Probiotics, like any live microorganisms, are affected by ex
regulation with proper strain identification, in vitro evaluation, vivo and in vivo conditions. Much clinical evidence has shown
and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of probiotic strains.8 that probiotics and/or prebiotics can be used as a natural
WDHD May 29, 2016

intervention to alleviate many gut disorders and they are
largely safe. Further research is needed to determine the
right strains (often in combination), the optimal dosage, and
duration of therapy to cater for various indications and popu-
lation groups.
REFERENCES
1. Ciorbra MA. A Gastroenterologists Guide to Probiotics.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012;10(9):960-968.
2. Patel R, DuPont HL. New Approaches for Bacteriotherapy:
Prebiotics, New-Generation Probiotics, and Synbiotics.
Clin Infect Dis 2015;60(S2):S108-121
3. Sarowska J, Choroszy-Krol I, Regulska-Ilow B, Frej-
Madrzak M, Jama-Kmiecik A. The Therapeutic Effect of
Probiotic Bacteria on Gastrointestinal Diseases. AdvClin-
Exp Med 2013;22(5):759-766.
4. Ritchie ML, Romanuk Tn. A Meta-Analysis of Probi-
otic Efficacy for Gastrointestinal Diseases. PLoS One
2012;7(4):e34938.
5. Hunger AP, Mulligan C, Pot B, Whorwell P, Agreus L, Fra-
casso P, Lionis C, Mendive J, de Foy JM, Winchester C, de
Wit N. Systematic review: probiotics in the management
of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in clinical practice -
an evidence-based international guide. Aliment Pharmacy
Ther 2013;38:864-886.
6. Tripathi MK, Giri SK. Probiotic functional foods: Survival
of probiotics during processing and storage. Journal of
Functional Foods 2014:9:225-241.
7. Doreen S, Snydman DR. Risk and Safety of Probiotics.
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2015;60(S2):S129-34.
8. Vankerckhoven V, Huys G, Vancanneyt M, Vael C, Klare I,
Romond M, et al. Biosafety assessment of probiotics used
for human consumption: recommendations from the
EU_PROSAFE project. Trends in Food Science & Technology
2008;19:102-114.
9. Braegger C, Chmielewska A, Decsi T, Kolacek S, Mihatsch
W, Moreno L, et al. Supplementation of infant formula
with probiotics and/or prebiotics: a systematic review
and comment by the ESPGHAN committee on nutrition.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011;52:238-250.
10. Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health
benefits. Nutrients 2013;5:1417-1435.
WDHD May 29, 2016
THE HUMAN GUT MICROBIOME

ALESSIO FASANO, MD Microbiome Project Initiative. As our understanding of the hu-
Director man microbiome expands, the hygiene hypothesis continues
Mucosal Immunology and Biology to be revised and frequently challenged and was recast more
Research Center recently as the microflora hypothesis.5 This suggested that
Massachusetts General Hospital for Western lifestyle alters exposure to microbes (rather than
Children infection per se), causing perturbations in the colonization of
Boston, Massachusetts, USA the intestinal mucosa and affecting mucosal immune sys-
tem development and predisposition to cause inflammation
through mechanisms that are still being elucidated, and thus
STATE OF THE ART increasing the risk for chronic diseases. Specifically, there
Microbial cells in the human body outnumber human cells is mounting evidence suggesting that microbiome-mediated
by about ten to one. The vast majority of these reside in the maturation of gut epithelial barrier and of the immune sys-
gastrointestinal tract. Non-culture based technologies have tem impact capacity for the host to develop responses that
evolved over the past several years, revolutionizing the feasi- maintain immune tolerance and prevent aberrant pro-inflam-
bility and accuracy of the human microbiome analysis. There matory or allergic responses. Indeed, it appears that there is
had been longstanding belief that the fetus resides in a sterile a two-way connection between the microbiota and immune
environment, but this has been challenged in recent years dysfunction, with both influencing and shaping each other,
with microbial discoveries in both the placenta and meco- and a complex relationship maintained to ensure homeosta-
nium1 thanks to these advanced technologies. It is also now sis. Additionally, by causing increased gut permeability, gut
well established that mode of delivery, maternal diet, infant dysbiosis may lead to passage of endotoxins and/or food-
diet, antibiotic exposure, and the home environment can all
have significant impact on the early development of the infant
intestinal microbiome2 (See Figure 1). The intestinal microbi-
ome of the infant and young child is susceptible to dramatic
shifts secondary to environmental exposures until 1-3 years
of age. This implies that disruptions in normal, healthy micro-
biota development in infancy can have lasting effects even in
adulthood.3
Increased hygiene and a lack of exposure to various micro-
organisms have been held responsible for the epidemic of
chronic inflammatory diseases that over the past 30-40 years
has been recorded in industrialized countries. That is the
essence of the hygiene hypothesis that argues that rising inci-
dence of asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple
sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
celiac disease (CD), and other chronic inflammatory diseases
may be, at least in part, the result of lifestyle and environ-
mental changes that have made us too clean for our own
good. The hygiene hypothesis, first proposed by Greenwood
in 1968 and subsequently by Strachan in 1989, suggested Figure 1: Factors influencing the epidemics of chronic inflammatory
lack of early childhood infections in the developed world diseases by affecting microbiome composition. Prenatal, perinatal,
might be responsible for this rise in allergic and autoimmune and postnatal factors play a key role in shaping gut microbiome compo-
diseases.4 sition and, in turn, the proper maturation of the gut associated lymphoid
tissue (GALT) to exert either a tolerogenic or pro-inflammatory function
Over the past several years, knowledge of the human micro-
that, together with genetic predisposition, may lead to a state of health
biome has been rapidly accelerating thanks to the Human or diseases, respectively.
WDHD May 29, 2016
THE HUMAN GUT MICROBIOME, continued

GI diseases in which the microbiome is suspected to play
a significant role in disease pathogenesis: IBD, CD, and IBS.
Mechanistic discovery, ongoing prospective studies, interven-
tions tried, and areas of promising future development will be
highlighted.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

The involvement of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of
IBD has been postulated for many years. However, despite
the great effort spent in search of the pathogen(s) triggering
the chronic inflammatory process that characterizes IBD, the
identification of microorganism(s) causing IBD has remained
Figure 2: Mechanisms leading to loss of intestinal mucosal homeo- elusive. Now there is good evidence that the pathogenesis of
stasis: Under physiological circumstances a very tightly controlled anti- IBD is the consequence of an inappropriate immune response
gen trafficking assure gut mucosal homeostasis, anergy and, therefore, to commensals rather than the consequence of infection with
state of health1. Functional loss of gut barrier function leads to inap- specific pathogens. This exaggerated response seems sec-
propriate passage of undigested nutrients an/or endotoxins causing ondary to the combination of genetic mutations and imbal-
innate immune response or immune regulatory defects leading to the ance of the gut microbiome.6 However, disparities in method-
productions of po-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN and TNF2. ological approaches, including different techniques used to
They in turn causes further increase in intestinal permeability causing
analyze gut microbiome, disease activity, site of inflammation,
a vicious circle3 that leads to massive dietary and microbial influx from
gut lumen to submucosa, break of tolerance and, ultimately, to chronic
and different site of microbiota sampling (stools vs. mucosa),
inflammation.4 Adapted from P. Brandtzaeg. Beneficial Microbes 2010. make comparison among the studies reported in literature
very difficult. Nevertheless, a common theme emerges, sug-
gesting that this dysbiosis is characterized by reduction in
derived peptides into the intestinal mucosal and eventually
biodiversity (-diversity) and altered representation of several
blood stream with subsequent increased interactions with
taxa. Gut dysbiosis is often associated with specific dysfunc-
immune cells leading to break of tolerance and, ultimately,
tions of microbial metabolism and bacterial protein signal-
onset of chronic inflammation (See Figure 2).
ing, including involvement of oxidative stress pathways and
Early in life, exposure to healthy and diverse commensal decreased carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid biosyn-
species promotes protection against chronic inflammation thesis counterbalanced by increase in nutrient transport and
by those mechanisms, and therefore that pre-, peri-, and uptake.6 While these changes suggest a possible mechanistic
post-natal environmental factors (including physical, chemi- link between modifications in microbiota composition and IBD
cal, biological, behavioral, and social environmental factors) pathogenesis, these studies remain mainly associative.
which strongly influence our gut ecosystems, thereby setting
us up to be susceptible to or protected from the development CELIAC DISEASE
of diseases throughout the entire lifespan (See Figure 1). Of CD is unique among autoimmune diseases in that there is a
all these factors, nutrition is by far the most influential one, strong association with HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8(39), the envi-
suggesting that Western diet is indeed one of the key driving ronmental trigger (gluten) is known, and disease-specific
forces of the epidemics of these chronic diseases through autoantibodies have been identified and can be measured.
changes in microbiota composition. Therefore, exposure to the environmental trigger can be care-
fully studied and frequent prospective screening against the
ONGOING DISCOVERY IN COMMON GI autoantibody tissue transglutaminase (tTG) can determine
CHRONIC DISEASES precisely when the loss of tolerance to gluten occurs.7 Dys-
Research is blossoming in the area of the microbiome in biosis has been implicated in the development of CD. In vitro
nearly all human diseases. Here, we will discuss the cur- studies suggest that microbes can influence the digestion of
rent state of the field in three of the most common chronic gliadin, the production of cytokines in response to gliadin, and
WDHD May 29, 2016

the increased intestinal epithelial permeability induced by It now appears clear that to understand and study these
gliadin.8 The vast majority of research describes differences microbiome shifts, prospective cohort design is required to
in the composition, structure, and diversity of the fecal and capture changes that precede or coincide with disease and
small intestinal microbiota in patients with CD based on age, symptom onset. Additionally, prospective studies integrating
disease status, and associated signs and symptoms. Associ- microbiome, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and metabo-
ated metabolic activity, as measured by patterns of short lomic data with comprehensive clinical and environmental
chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the stool, is altered in patients with data are necessary to build a systems-level model of inter-
active CD and linked to the described dysbiosis. However, actions between the host and the development of disease.10
differences in specimen collection, analysis techniques, age The creation of novel network models is essential to provid-
of the study population, and disease status make it difficult to ing a mechanistic approach to exploring the development
compare studies. of disease. As the field expands exponentially in the wake of
non-culture-based technologies to study the microbiome, a
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME multi-omic research approach has the potential to revolution-
Several studies suggest that gut microbiota is altered in ize our understanding of most common diseases affecting
IBS, with different composition and decreased complexity humankind. This knowledge will provide personalized thera-
in microbiota of IBS patients compared to healthy controls peutic (precision medicine) and preventive (primary preven-
as well as within the subgroups of IBS patients.9 Although tion) targets for microbiome manipulation using prebiotics,
these microbiota signatures are a meaningful step towards probiotics, and/or symbyotics (See Figure 1).
a better understanding of a link between gut dysbiosis and
IBS, it must be taken into consideration that these results are REFERENCES
obtained from relatively small sample populations. Consider- 1. Aagaard K, Ma J, Antony KM, Ganu R, Petrosino J, Versa-
ing that IBS is a multifactorial syndrome with many possible lovic J. The placenta harbors a unique microbiome. Sci
causes and different clinical presentations, it is possible to Transl Med. 2014 May 21;6(237):237ra655.
predict that results derived from these studies will explain 2. Koren O, Goodrich JK, Cullender TC, Spor A, Laitinen K,
the role of specific microbiota composition in subgroups of Bckhed HK, et al. Host remodeling of the gut microbiome
patients rather than explaining the pathogenesis of the IBS and metabolic changes during pregnancy. Cell. 2012 Aug
population as a whole.9 3;150(3):47080.
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS 3. Yatsunenko T, Rey FE, Manary MJ, Trehan I, Dominguez-
The major limitation of current studies linking gut microbi- Bello MG, Contreras M, et al. Human gut microbiome
ome with clinical outcomes is their descriptive nature. To link viewed across age and geography. Nature. 2012 Jun
gut microbiome composition with disease pathogenesis, it is 14;486(7402):2227.
necessary to generate solid mechanistic evidence of disease 4. Greenwood BM. Autoimmune disease and parasitic infec-
onset and progression in relation to dynamic changes of tions in Nigerians. Lancet. 1968 Aug 17;2(7564):3802.
abnormal microbiome causing host epigenetic modifications
5. Shreiner A, Huffnagle GB, Noverr MC. The Microflora Hy-
controlling gut barrier, immune functions, and, ultimately, loss
pothesis of allergic disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. New York,
of tolerance. Currently there are limited effective strategies
NY: Springer New York; 2008;635(Chapter 10):11334.
for the treatment or prevention of these chronic diseases.
The advent of genomics, proteomics, and now advanced 6. Manichanh C, Borruel N, Casellas F, Guarner F. The gut
microbiome analysis raised the expectation of therapeutic microbiota in IBD. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012
solutions that have yet to materialize. It is now becoming Oct;9(10):599608.
clear that these diseases are final destinations, but that the 7. Fasano A, Catassi C. Clinical practice: Celiac disease. N
paths to disease development vary from patient to patient. Engl J Med. 2012 Dec 20;367(25):2419-26.
To date, a myriad of cross sectional studies have described
alterations in the gut microbiota composition in a variety
of disease states, after the disease has already presented.
WDHD May 29, 2016

8. Sellitto M, Bai G, Serena G, Fricke WF, Sturgeon C, Gajer
P, et al. Proof of Concept of Microbiome-Metabolome
Analysis and Delayed Gluten Exposure on Celiac Disease
Autoimmunity in Genetically At-Risk Infants. Highlander
SK, editor. PLoS ONE. 2012 Mar 14;7(3):e33387.
9. Bennet SMP, hman L, Simrn M. Gut Microbiota as
Potential Orchestrators of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gut
Liver. 2015; 9: 318331.
10. Leonard MM, Camhi S, Huedo-Medina TB, Fasano A.
Celiac Disease Genomic, Environmental, Microbiome, and
Metabolomic (CDGEMM) Study Design: Approach to the
Future of Personalized Prevention of Celiac Disease. Nu-
trients. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute; 2015
Nov;7(11):932536.
WDHD May 29, 2016
GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST PAN

AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION NUTRIENT
PROFILE MODEL TO PREVENT GROWING OBESITY INCIDENCE
NATALIE NABON DANSILIO, MD In order to facilitate the recognition of healthy or unhealthy
Gastroenterologist food, four categories have been proposed:
Assistant in Gastroenterology Department 1. In natura food is directly obtained from plants or ani-
National Medical School at Hospital de mals (such as leaves, fruits, eggs, and milk) and is ready
Clnicas, Director Prof. Henry Cohen to consume without any kind of modification after leaving
Montevideo, Uruguay nature. This type of food couples physiologically with
human metabolic pathways and helps to preserve weight
homeostasis.
Obesity prevalence is an alarming health problem worldwide, 2. Minimally processed food is the result of in natura
but even more so for the Americas, where it reaches the food after a minimum modification process, such as dry-
highest rates. Over the last few decades, global strategies ing, polishing or grounding of grains, meat freezing, or
aimed to stop or slow down this pandemic phenomenon have milk pasteurization. In this group, components like oils,
clearly failed. Obesity and overweight related diseases have fats, sugar, and salt (critical nutrients) are moderately
turned out to be the first causes of morbidity and mortality used in culinary preparation to add flavor and diversity to
throughout American countries, surpassing disabilities and dishes without affecting nutritional balance. This kind of
deaths due to malignancies, infection, and malnutrition. Fifty- food is still harmonious with human metabolism.
five percent of all deaths are currently caused by associated 3. Processed food is mainly produced by the addition of
obesity and overweight diseases. critical nutrients to in natura food or minimally pro-
Obesity and being overweight affect 62% of adults in the cessed food. Some examples include: canned vegeta-
Americas, with Mexico, Chile, and the USA being at the top bles, syrup fruits, canned meats, cheese, and packaged
of the list. Seven out of ten adults in these countries are bread. This kind of food is created to last longer than in
obese or overweight. Concern grows further when checking natura or minimally processed foods, but it loses origi-
prevalence rates in childhood and adolescence; obesity and nal nutritional qualities detrimental to health balance.
being overweight have also been constantly increasing in this 4. Ultra-processed food is characterized by several manu-
group, reaching prevalence rates of 25%. factured steps. Most of it is represented by industrial
Several robust investigations have already found a cause/ exclusive components, such as refined vegetable oils,
effect relationship between diet and obesity. Unanimously, high fructose syrup, synthetic proteins, modified starch,
studies show that energy excessive input is a hallmark of the petroleum and coal derived synthetics, colorants, flavor-
modern diet. This energy excess poses a threat to physiologi- ing, and additives. Some examples include: soft drinks,
cal mechanisms of weight homeostasis. stuffed biscuits, ice cream, sweets, sweetened cereals,
cakes mixtures, cereal bars, soups, pasta and sauces
After many years of hard scientific search, investigations ready to heat, sweetened milks and yogurts, energy
managed to disclose the main issue behind the excess of en- drinks, and frozen meal products ready to heat. These
ergy in diet. It is not only the energy excess itself, but also its are all high energy dense and their components impact
quality, that really makes the difference for human health. Be- directly on metabolic pathways, impairing hormonal and
lief in the caloric hypothesis has finally weakened since com- sensorial balance, and accelerating weight gain.
ponents in alimentary products are now considered potent
hormone and neurotransmitter triggers for nutrition science. When compared to in natura or minimally processed
Most of the ingredients used in the process of food production foods, processed and ultra-processed foods have much
add a powered effect in terms of metabolic responses, when more sugar, unhealthy fat, and sodium. Furthermore, pro-
compared to in natura food effects, which have less impact cessed and ultra-processed foods lack diet fiber, minerals,
on energy body regulation. Subsequently, repetition in the and vitamins, while carrying higher energy density. Even with
consumption of processed food leads to well-known underly- all of these harmful characteristics, processed and ultra-
ing hyperinsulinemia, the very early stage in the development processed foods are still conveniently practical, ubiquitous,
of overweight and obesity disorders. strongly publicized, extremely palatable, and habit stimulat-
WDHD May 29, 2016
GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST PAN AMERICAN

HEALTH ORGANIZATION NUTRIENT PROFILE MODEL TO PREVENT
GROWING OBESITY INCIDENCE, continued
ing. In fact, all these features may explain why handmade
meal preparations are being replaced by processed and
ultra-processed food. Consequently, many traditional culi-
nary customs are gradually extinguishing.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) met recently
to find new resources to tackle the concerning health conse-
quences of this nutritional transition on the American popu-
lation. The PAHO Nutrient Profile Model was formulated to
cover all countries in the American region. It aims to involve
all governments in making crucial decisions to create envi-
ronments conducive to healthy eating.
Some of its most remarkable strategies include:
Preventing unhealthy food consumption. Figure 1.
Quantifying and controlling critical nutrients present in
decades. In 1987, energy input provided by ultra-processed
processed food, including: salt, sugar, trans fats, and satu-
food in Brazil was 19%; this had reached 32% by 2008. More-
rated fats.
over, in 1938, energy input provided by ultra-processed food
Warning about critical nutrients contained in food prod-
in Canada was 24%; by 2001 this had increased to 55%.
ucts by adding an information label on the front side of
packaging. Figure (1) shows the evolution of ultra-processed food sales
Establishing specific guidelines for food and beverage con- from 1999 to 2013 in 12 countries from Latin America. This
sumption in schools. study was conducted by the PAHO in order to estimate ultra-
Restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages processed food consumption trends through over the last
among children. few years. Results showed that ultra-processed food sales
Applying tax policies to limit unhealthy food consumption. continuously grew in all countries, with marked elevations in
Avoiding sweeteners in childrens food and beverages, Uruguay (+145%), Peru (+121%), and Bolivia (+151%).
since repetitive sweet flavor (regardless of calories) stimu- Thereafter, these consumption trends were analyzed against
lates and defines consumer habits. obesity growing rates in those countries and significant sta-
These guides claim that implementing new nutritional pro- tistical association was found.
grams, saving food health benefits, and combating ultra- When epidemiological data is put together, the human meta-
processed foods harmful effects is urgent for public health. bolic dialogue between diet and obesity is clearly understood.
The PAHO requires countries to inform consumers about Then, taking decisions to fight this problem becomes essen-
certain critical nutrients hidden in packaging and to restrict tial. Health and education workers, media outlets, and gov-
confusing messages behind food publicity. They focus as well ernments can join efforts to improve the publics nutritional
on encouraging people to cook and prepare their own fresh status. The PAHO Nutrient Profile Model attempts to serve as
dishes, in an attempt to reinforce traditional flavors and help a roadmap in this complex context.
regional customs reappear and survive among nutritional
globalization. BIBLIOGRAPHY
In the Americas, sweetened beverage consumption increased 1. Scrinis G. Nutritionism: The Science and Politics of
33% between 2000 and 2013. During this period, snacks con- Dietary Advice. New York, NY: Columbia University Press,
sumption also increased 56%. These are only two examples 2013. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2014.02.017.
in a huge field of investigations that show certain predomi-
nance of ultra-processed food over minimally processed
or in natura foods. Dietary energy input provided by ultra-
processed food has flagrantly accelerated during recent
WDHD May 29, 2016
GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST PAN AMERICAN

HEALTH ORGANIZATION NUTRIENT PROFILE MODEL TO PREVENT
GROWING OBESITY INCIDENCE, continued
2. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Can-
cer Research. Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention.
Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: A Global Perspec-
tive. Washington, DC: AICR, 2009.
3. United States Department of Agriculture. A Series of
Systematic Reviews on the Relationship Between Dietary
Patterns and Health Outcomes. March 2014.
4. World Health Organization. Diet, Nutrition and the Pre-
vention of Chronic Diseases. Report of a Joint WHO/FAO
Expert Consultation. WHO Technical Report Series no.916.
Geneva: WHO, 2003.
5. World Health Organization. Guideline: sugars in-
take for adults and children. Ginebra: OMS, 2015.
Available at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstre
am/10665/149782/1/9789241549028_eng.pdf.
6. Monteiro CA, Moubarac J-C, Cannon G, Ng S, Popkin BM.
Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the
global food system. Obesity Rev. 2013 Nov; 14 Suppl 2:21-
8. doi: 10.1111/obr.12107.
7. Moodie R, Stuckler D, Monteiro C, Sheron N, Neal B,
Thamarangsi T, Lincoln P, Casswell S; Lancet NCD Action
Group. Profits and pandemics: prevention of harmful
effects of tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food and
drink industries. Lancet. 2013 Feb 23; 381(9867):670-679.
doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)62089-3.
8. Davis C. Evolutionary and neuropsychological perspec-
tives on addictive behaviors and addictive substances:
relevance to the food addiction construct. Subst Abuse
Rehabil. 2014 Dec 12;5:129-137. doi: 10.2147/SAR.
S56835.
9. Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Gua alimentaria para la po-
blacin brasilea. 2015. Available at: http://bvsms.saude.
gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/guia_alimentaria_poblacion_
rasilena.pdf.
10. Pollan M. Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation.
New York, NY: Penguin Press, 2014.
WDHD May 29, 2016
THE GUT RESPONSE TO FOOD;

A PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON
FOOD-INDUCED GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS
EAMONN M.M. QUIGLEY, MD, FRCP, Not only were IBS subjects shown to exhibit an exaggerated
FACP, MACG, FRCPI gastro-colonic response4-6 but exaggerated responses to food
David M and Lynda K Underwood Center ingestion were also demonstrated in the small intestine and,
for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastro- even, in the gall bladder.7-11 That autonomic nervous dys-
enterology and Hepatology function in response to a meal might contribute to symptom
Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill generation is nicely illustrated again by IBS; alterations in the
Cornell Medical College autonomic nervous system have been reported in patients
Houston, Texas, USA with IBS; the most consistent finding being increased sympa-
thetic nervous system activity.12-16 In other words, IBS suffer-
Before launching into a discussion of the potential roles of ers are more susceptible to, and experience more exaggerat-
food allergy or intolerance in gastrointestinal symptomatol- ed manifestations of the gut distress that we all experience
ogy, or even in the pathophysiology of a common functional on occasion when extremely stressed. Such reactions are
gastrointestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome seen in perhaps their most florid form in the individual with a
(IBS), one must first consider the potential role of a more severe anxiety disorder. Changes in parasympathetic nervous
fundamental factor in the precipitation of GI symptoms and system activity have been less consistent in IBS and, while re-
gut distress on, or soon after, food ingestion; namely, the sponses have varied, decreased parasympathetic responses
physiological response to food. All physiological processes in have been observed most frequently.12-16
the gut, including motility, secretion and blood flow respond to
food intake, or the anticipation thereof, in order to maximize ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF THE
digestion and absorption. Both neural (and the vagus, in par- RESPONSE TO FOOD
ticular) and hormonal elements contribute to these respons- A number of gut hormones play an integral part in the
es. Signals along the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional pathway responses to food17. Enteric endocrine cells populating the
between the GI tract and the brain, may initiate, perpetuate or gut secrete an array of hormones, such as motilin, gastrin,
modulate the food response. Other factors, including mucosal cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY and respond to the
immune responses and even the gut microbiota may par- anticipation and/or arrival of food or the products of diges-
ticipate in this bidirectional interaction, the latter leading to tion, and, thereafter, modulate the fate of gut contents in
the concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.1-3 The interplay either a paracrine or endocrine manner. Motilin is secreted
between these factors in the genesis of gastrointestinal post- in the inter-digestive period when it released on distension
prandial symptoms is nicely illustrated by IBS where these of the duodenum by intense contractile activity of phase III of
phenomena have been studied in some detail; food responses the migrating motor complex and stimulates gastric motil-
in IBS and their regulation will, therefore, be used as an illus- ity. Ghrelin, thought to play a major role in satiety and also
trative example throughout this chapter. released on food ingestion, also stimulates motility. Interest-
NEURAL REGULATION OF GUT RESPONSES ingly, higher circulating ghrelin levels have been described
in IBS patients and could contribute to associations between
The central nervous system (CNS) communicates with the en-
food ingestion, dysmotility and IBS symptoms in some af-
teric nervous system via the sympathetic and parasympathet-
fected individuals.18,19 Cholecystokinin release is stimulated
ic branches of the autonomic nervous system. The anticipa-
by the arrival of fat and protein into the proximal gut and
tion and/or ingestion of food stimulate the autonomic nervous
delays gastric emptying, increases gut motility and enhances
system leading to such well-described physiological respons-
rectal hypersensitivity.20 Both fasting and post-prandial levels
es as the cephalic phase of gastric acid secretion, receptive
of CCK are elevated in IBS and an exaggerated response or
relaxation of musculature in the upper gastrointestinal tract
hypersensitivity to CCK can cause symptoms of constipation,
and the gastro-colonic response. Given the frequent localiza-
bloating or abdominal pain.21 In disorders of maldigestion
tion by sufferers of their pain to the left lower quadrant and of
and/or malabsorption the arrival of unabsorbed nutrients in
the prominence of post-prandial urges to defecate in IBS, the
the distal ileum (and fat in particular) stimulates the release
gastro-colonic response, a neurally-mediated homeostatic
of peptide YY from ileal neuro-endocrine cells and leads to
reflex, was an early target of investigation in this disorder.
WDHD May 29, 2016
THE GUT RESPONSE TO FOOD; A PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

ON FOOD-INDUCED GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS, continued
delayed gastric emptying and small bowel transit in an at- could occur as a consequence of a reduction in methanogenic
tempt to halt caloric losses: the so-called ileal brake.22 bacteria, (Methanobrevibacter smithii and certain Clostridium
and Bacteroides species) which convert hydrogen produced
ROLE OF NEUROMODULATORS AND by other intestinal bacteria to methane and greatly reduce
NEUROTRANSMITTERS gas production.27,28 In contrast, excess methane production
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and paracrine signaling mole- has been linked to constipation.27 The arrival of undigested
cule and is secreted primarily from enterochromaffin (EC) cells, carbohydrates into the colon will provide more substrate for
which accounts for approximately 80% of total body serotonin fermentation, as well as acting as a prebiotic. Local changes
secretion. Increased enterochromaffin (EC) cells, elevated post- in gas production, in conjunction with enhanced sensitivity
prandial serotonin levels and decreased serotonin reuptake to gas distension may contribute to bloating, a remarkably
due to decreased affinity for the reuptake transporter protein prevalent post-prandial symptom in a number of functional
have been reported in different IBS subtypes; the former being gastrointestinal disorders. Bacterial metabolism of carbohy-
observed in post-infectious IBS and the latter two in IBS-D.23- drates also produce short chain fatty acids which stimulate
25
Serotonin stimulates receptors responsible for peristalsis colonic and ileo-colonic motility and secretion29,30 and could
and secretion in the GI tract, and acts to promote communica- cause diarrhea; stool volume and consistency will also be in-
tion along the got and on the gut-brain axis. The post-prandial fluenced by the extent of bacterial deconjugation of bile acids.
diarrhea and urgency commonly reported by sufferers with
IBS-D may be due to an exaggerated serotonin response lead-
CONCLUSION
ing to increased peristalsis and secretions.23 Many are the physiological interactions between the act eat-
ing and gut function; interactions that can be accentuated in a
FOOD-MICROBIOTA INTERACTIONS variety of diseases and disorders and that could account for
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in gut homeostasis in postprandial symptomatology without having to invoke food
health and in the pathogenesis of a number of intestinal and intolerance or allergy.
extra-intestinal diseases. It includes a diverse population of
approximately 1014 bacterial cells; 10 times more than that
REFERENCES
total number of human cells. The functions of the gut microbi- 1. Grenham S, Clarke G, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Brain-gut-mi-
ota include the protection of the host from enteric pathogens, crobe communication in health and disease. Front Physiol.
the development of the host immune system, participation in 2011;2:94.
host metabolism and contributing to nutrition. Our diet has a 2. Cryan JF, OMahony SM. The microbiome-gut-brain
major impact on the composition of the microbiota and differ- axis: from bowel to behavior. Neurogastroenterol Motil.
ences in dietary patterns are a major determinant of inter- 2011;23:187-192.
individual variations in microbiota diversity. For an excellent
3. Fichna J, Storr MA. Brain-Gut Interactions in IBS. Front
overview of many aspects of the gut microbiota, please refer
Pharmacol. 2012;3:127.
to the 2014 World Digestive Health Day publication WGO
Handbook on Gut Microbes, which can be downloaded for 4. Snape WJ Jr, Carlson GM, Matarazzo SA, Cohen S. Evi-
free at: http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/UserFiles/file/ dence that abnormal myoelectrical activity produces co-
WDHD-2014-handbook-FINAL.pdf. lonic motor dysfunction in the irritable bowel syndrome.
Gastroenterology. 1977;72:383-7.
Interactions between components of the diet and/or the
products of digestion could play a role in the genesis of food 5. Simren M, Abrahamsson H, Bjornsson ES. An exagger-
related symptoms and changes in diet or microbiota could ated sensory component of the gastrocolonic response in
exacerbate or alleviate such symptoms. As a by-product of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gut 2001;48:2027.
bacterial fermentation is liberation of gases (e.g. nitrogen, 6. McKee DP, Quigley EMM. Intestinal motility and the ir-
hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane) an increase in the ritable bowel syndrome - Is IBS a motility disorder?
numbers of gas-producing organisms (e.g. E. coli, Veillonella Part 1. Definition of IBS and colonic motility. Dig Dis Sci
species) may cause flatulence and bloating.26 Flatulence 1993;38:1761- 1772.
WDHD May 29, 2016
THE GUT RESPONSE TO FOOD; A PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

ON FOOD-INDUCED GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS, continued
7. Kellow JE, Phillips SF, Miller LJ, Zinsmeister AR. Dys- 18. Levin F, Edholm T, Schmidt PT, et al. Ghrelin stimulates
motility of the small intestine in irritable bowel syndrome. gastric emptying and hunger in normal-weight humans.
Gut. 1988;29:1236-43. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91:3296-3302.
8. Kellow JE, Phillips SF. Altered small bowel motility in 19. Sjolund K, Ekman R, Wierup N. Covariation of plasma
irritable bowel syndrome is correlated with symptoms. ghrelin and motilin in irritable bowel syndrome. Peptides.
Gastroenterology. 1987;92:1885-93. 2010;31:1109-1112.
9. Kellow JE, Miller LJ, Phillips SF, Zinsmeister AR, Charbo- 20. Varga G, Balint A, Burghardt B, DAmato M. Involvement
neau JW. Altered sensitivity of the gallbladder to chole- of endogenous CCK and CCK1 receptors in colonic motor
cystokinin octapeptide in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J function. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;141:1275-1284.
Physiol. 1987;253:G650-5. 21. van der Schaar PJ, van Hoboken E, Ludidi S, Masclee AA.
10. McKee DP, Quigley EMM. Intestinal motility and the irri- Effect of cholecystokinin on rectal motor and sensory
table bowel syndrome - is IBS a motility disorder? Part 2. function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and
Motility of the small bowel, esophagus, stomach and gall healthy controls. Colorectal Dis. 2013;15:e29-34.
bladder. Dig Dis Sci 1993;38:1773-1782. 22. Van Citters GW, Lin HC. Ileal brake: neuropeptidergic
11. Quigley EMM. Disturbances of Motility and Visceral control of intestinal transit. Curr Gastroenterol Rep.
Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Biologi- 2006;8:367-73
cal Markers or Epiphenomenon. Gastroenterol Clin N Am 23. Bearcroft CP, Perrett D, Farthing MJ. Postprandial plasma
2005;34:221-233. 5-hydroxytryptamine in diarrhoea predominant irritable
12. Manabe N, Tanaka T, Hata J, Kusunoki H, Haruma K. bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Gut. 1998;42:42-46.
Pathophysiology underlying irritable bowel syndrome- 24. Bellini M, Rappelli L, Blandizzi C, et al. Platelet serotonin
-from the viewpoint of dysfunction of autonomic nervous transporter in patients with diarrhea-predominant ir-
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13. Karling P, Nyhlin H, Wiklund U, Sjoberg M, Olofsson BO, with alosetron. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98:2705-2711.
Bjerle P. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability in 25. Dunlop SP, Jenkins D, Neal KR, Spiller RC. Relative im-
patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Scand J Gastroen- portance of enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia, anxiety,
terol. 1998;33:572-576. and depression in postinfectious IBS. Gastroenterology.
14. Adeyemi EO, Desai KD, Towsey M, Ghista D. Characteriza- 2003;125:1651-1659.
tion of autonomic dysfunction in patients with irritable 26. McKay LF, Holbrook WP, Eastwood MA. Methane and hy-
bowel syndrome by means of heart rate variability stud- drogen production by human intestinal anaerobic bacteria.
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15. van Orshoven NP, Andriesse GI, van Schelven LJ, Smout 27. Pimentel M GRP, Rao S.S.C., Zhang H. Methanogens in
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ble bowel syndrome. Clin Autonomic Res. 2006;16:33-39.
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distal gut hormone secretion in irritable bowel syndrome.
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World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)
The WGO Foundation (WGO-F)
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100 Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
Tel: +1 (414) 918-9798 Fax: +1 (414) 276-3349
Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.worldgastroenterology.org www.wgofoundation.org
http://fb.me/WGOFWDHD https://twitter.com/WGOF_WDHD
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WGO Handbook on

DIET AND THE GUT

World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)

MESSAGE FROM THE 2016 CHAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

WORLD DIGESTIVE HEALTH DAY 2016 STEERING COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

WDHD SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE, AND FRUCTOSE): IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT . . . . . . . . . 20

FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

TABLE OF CONTENTS, CONTINUED

MANAGING ADULT CELIAC DISEASE IN THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS FOR GUT HEALTH: THE ESSENTIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

THE HUMAN GUT MICROBIOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

THE GUT RESPONSE TO FOOD; A PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON FOOD-INDUCED

YOUR DIET AND GUT HEALTH

DAVID S. SANDERS, MD GOVIND K. MAKHARIA, MD, DM, DNB,

WORLD DIGESTIVE HEALTH DAY

CO-CHAIR, WDHD MEMBER MEMBER

CO-CHAIR, WDHD MEMBER MEMBER

WGO PRESIDENT- MEMBER MEMBER

VICE CHAIR, WGO MEMBER MEMBER

PAST CHAIRMAN, WGO MEMBER MEMBER

SUPPORTED IN PART BY EDUCATIONAL GRANTS FROM

MESSAGE FROM THE WGO PRESIDENT-

CIHAN YURDAYDIN, MD RICHARD HUNT, FRCP, FRCPED, FRCPC,

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH

Table 1: Indicators of gut health

Criteria for a healthy GI system Specific featues of gut-health

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH, continued

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH, continued

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH, continued

REFERENCES 13. Cho SS, Qi L, Fahey GC Jr, Klurfeld DM. Consumption

UNDERSTANDING OF NORMAL GUT HEALTH, continued

DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION,

DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION, RECOMMENDATION FOR

DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION, RECOMMENDATION FOR

DIETARY FIBER; DEFINITION, RECOMMENDATION FOR

WHAT ARE FODMAPS? EVIDENCE FOR

WHAT ARE FODMAPS? EVIDENCE FOR

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS?

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD IN IBS, continued

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE,

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE AND

No antibiotics and prebiotics Record H2 and CH4 levels

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE AND

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE AND

CARBOHYDRATE INTOLERANCE (LACTOSE, SUCROSE AND

FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, continued

FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, continued

FOOD ALLERGY AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT, continued

CELIAC DISEASE, continued

CELIAC DISEASE, continued

CELIAC DISEASE, continued

Cascade with resource-sensitive options for the diagnosis of celiac disease.

MANAGING ADULT CELIAC DISEASE IN

INTRODUCTION adults.3 In children, histological normalization occurs within

Three conditions are triggered by a systemic immune reaction FOLLOW UP IN GENERAL