The aim of this thesis is to review the current literature on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its current treatment. IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the current diagnosis with the Rome IV criteria, IBS is characterised by abdominal pain associated with defecation and/or a change in bowel habits, with no detectable organic cause. It is well known that most patients with IBS associate their gastrointestinal symptoms with food intake, and therefore treatment with specific dietary manipulation has become a very attractive strategy. Diets low in fermented oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) have generated the greatest scientific and clinical interest and are still under continuous investigation. The probiotics and many other bioactive compounds in food also play a very important role in the process of treating the disease. As IBS is one of the newer disorders there is a lack of knowledge in this area. Most of the research that has been done on different diets and low FODMAP diet is still being researched. Further research, which are based and focusing on different groups of individuals, are needed to better understand.
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