Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movement patterns—that occur together. Doctors call IBS a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Functional GI disorders happen when your GI tract behaves in an abnormal way without evidence of damage due to a disease.
Does IBS have another name?In the past, doctors called IBS colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, nervous colon, and spastic bowel. Experts changed the name to reflect the understanding that the disorder has both physical and mental causes and isn’t a product of a person’s imagination.
What are the four types of IBS?Doctors often classify IBS into one of four types based on your usual stool consistency. These types are important because they affect the types of treatment that are most likely to improve your symptoms.
The four types of IBS are
Studies estimate that IBS affects 10 to 15 percent of U.S. adults.1 However, only 5 to 7 percent of U.S. adults have received a diagnosis of IBS.[2]
Who is more likely to develop IBS?
IBS affects about twice as many women as men and most often occurs in people younger than age 45.[1]
What other health problems do people with IBS have?
People with IBS often suffer from other GI and non-GI conditions. GI conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia are more common in people with IBS than the general population.
Non-GI conditions that people with IBS often have include
References[1] Grundmann O, Yoon SL. Irritable bowel syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment: an update for health-care practitioners. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2010;25:691–699.
[2] Irritable bowel syndrome. American College of Gastroenterology website. www.patients.gi.org . Accessed September 2, 2014.
February 2015
Information courtesy of: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movement patterns—that occur together. Doctors call IBS a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Functional GI disorders happen when your GI tract behaves in an abnormal way without evidence of damage due to a disease.
Does IBS have another name?In the past, doctors called IBS colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, nervous colon, and spastic bowel. Experts changed the name to reflect the understanding that the disorder has both physical and mental causes and isn’t a product of a person’s imagination.
What are the four types of IBS?Doctors often classify IBS into one of four types based on your usual stool consistency. These types are important because they affect the types of treatment that are most likely to improve your symptoms.
The four types of IBS are
- IBS with constipation, or IBS-C
- hard or lumpy stools at least 25 percent of the time
- loose or watery stools less than 25 percent of the time
- IBS with diarrhea, or IBS-D
- loose or watery stools at least 25 percent of the time
- hard or lumpy stools less than 25 percent of the time
- Mixed IBS, or IBS-M
- hard or lumpy stools at least 25 percent of the time
- loose or watery stools at least 25 percent of the time
- Unsubtyped IBS, or IBS-U
- hard or lumpy stools less than 25 percent of the time
- loose or watery stools less than 25 percent of the time
Studies estimate that IBS affects 10 to 15 percent of U.S. adults.1 However, only 5 to 7 percent of U.S. adults have received a diagnosis of IBS.[2]
Who is more likely to develop IBS?
IBS affects about twice as many women as men and most often occurs in people younger than age 45.[1]
What other health problems do people with IBS have?
People with IBS often suffer from other GI and non-GI conditions. GI conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia are more common in people with IBS than the general population.
Non-GI conditions that people with IBS often have include
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- chronic pelvic pain
- temporomandibular joint disorders
- depression
- anxiety
- somatoform disorders
References[1] Grundmann O, Yoon SL. Irritable bowel syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment: an update for health-care practitioners. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2010;25:691–699.
[2] Irritable bowel syndrome. American College of Gastroenterology website. www.patients.gi.org . Accessed September 2, 2014.
February 2015
Information courtesy of: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts
Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome
What are the symptoms of IBS?The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in how often you have bowel movements or how your stools look. The pain or discomfort of IBS may feel like cramping and have at least two of the following:
Other symptoms of IBS are Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
While IBS can be painful, IBS doesn’t lead to other health problems or damage your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What causes IBS?Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS. Experts think that a combination of problems can lead to IBS.
Physical ProblemsBrain-Gut Signal Problems
Signals between your brain and the nerves of your gut, or small and large intestines, control how your gut works. Problems with brain-gut signals may cause IBS symptoms.
GI Motility Problems
If you have IBS, you may not have normal motility in your colon. Slow motility can lead to constipation and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. Spasms can cause abdominal pain. If you have IBS, you may also experience hyperreactivity—a dramatic increase in bowel contractions when you feel stress or after you eat.
Pain Sensitivity
If you have IBS, the nerves in your gut may be extra sensitive, causing you to feel more pain or discomfort than normal when gas or stool is in your gut. Your brain may process pain signals from your bowel differently if you have IBS.
Infections
A bacterial infection in the GI tract may cause some people to develop IBS. Researchers don’t know why infections in the GI tract lead to IBS in some people and not others, although abnormalities of the GI tract lining and mental health problems may play a role.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Normally, few bacteria live in your small intestine. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is an increase in the number or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine. These bacteria can produce extra gas and may also cause diarrhea and weight loss. Some experts think small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may lead to IBS. Research continues to explore a possible link between the two conditions.
Neurotransmitters (Body Chemicals)
People with IBS have altered levels of neurotransmitters—chemicals in the body that transmit nerve signals—and GI hormones. The role these chemicals play in IBS is unclear.
Younger women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods. Post-menopausal women have fewer symptoms compared with women who are still menstruating. These findings suggest that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems.
Genetics
Whether IBS has a genetic cause, meaning it runs in families, is unclear. Studies have shown IBS is more common in people with family members who have a history of GI problems.
Food Sensitivity
Many people with IBS report that foods rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol trigger their symptoms. However, people with food sensitivity typically don’t have signs of a food allergy. Researchers think that poor absorption of sugars or bile acids may cause symptoms.
Mental Health ProblemsPsychological, or mental health, problems such as panic disorder , anxiety , depression , and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in people with IBS. The link between mental health and IBS is unclear. GI disorders, including IBS, are sometimes present in people who have reported past physical or sexual abuse. Experts think people who have been abused tend to express psychological stress through physical symptoms.
If you have IBS, your colon may respond too much to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes your mind more aware of the sensations in your colon. IBS symptoms can also increase your stress level.
February 2015
Information courtesy of: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
- Your pain or discomfort improves after a bowel movement.
- You notice a change in how often you have a bowel movement.
- You notice a change in the way your stools look.
- You’ve had symptoms at least three times a month for the past 3 months.
- Your symptoms first started at least 6 months ago.
Other symptoms of IBS are Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
While IBS can be painful, IBS doesn’t lead to other health problems or damage your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What causes IBS?Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS. Experts think that a combination of problems can lead to IBS.
Physical ProblemsBrain-Gut Signal Problems
Signals between your brain and the nerves of your gut, or small and large intestines, control how your gut works. Problems with brain-gut signals may cause IBS symptoms.
GI Motility Problems
If you have IBS, you may not have normal motility in your colon. Slow motility can lead to constipation and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. Spasms can cause abdominal pain. If you have IBS, you may also experience hyperreactivity—a dramatic increase in bowel contractions when you feel stress or after you eat.
Pain Sensitivity
If you have IBS, the nerves in your gut may be extra sensitive, causing you to feel more pain or discomfort than normal when gas or stool is in your gut. Your brain may process pain signals from your bowel differently if you have IBS.
Infections
A bacterial infection in the GI tract may cause some people to develop IBS. Researchers don’t know why infections in the GI tract lead to IBS in some people and not others, although abnormalities of the GI tract lining and mental health problems may play a role.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Normally, few bacteria live in your small intestine. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is an increase in the number or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine. These bacteria can produce extra gas and may also cause diarrhea and weight loss. Some experts think small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may lead to IBS. Research continues to explore a possible link between the two conditions.
Neurotransmitters (Body Chemicals)
People with IBS have altered levels of neurotransmitters—chemicals in the body that transmit nerve signals—and GI hormones. The role these chemicals play in IBS is unclear.
Younger women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods. Post-menopausal women have fewer symptoms compared with women who are still menstruating. These findings suggest that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems.
Genetics
Whether IBS has a genetic cause, meaning it runs in families, is unclear. Studies have shown IBS is more common in people with family members who have a history of GI problems.
Food Sensitivity
Many people with IBS report that foods rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol trigger their symptoms. However, people with food sensitivity typically don’t have signs of a food allergy. Researchers think that poor absorption of sugars or bile acids may cause symptoms.
Mental Health ProblemsPsychological, or mental health, problems such as panic disorder , anxiety , depression , and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in people with IBS. The link between mental health and IBS is unclear. GI disorders, including IBS, are sometimes present in people who have reported past physical or sexual abuse. Experts think people who have been abused tend to express psychological stress through physical symptoms.
If you have IBS, your colon may respond too much to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes your mind more aware of the sensations in your colon. IBS symptoms can also increase your stress level.
February 2015
Information courtesy of: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
How do doctors diagnose IBS?Your doctor may be able to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on a review of your medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. Your doctor may also order tests.
To diagnose IBS, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam.
Medical HistoryThe medical history will include questions about
Stool testA stool test is the analysis of a sample of stool. Your doctor will give you a container for catching and holding a stool sample. You will receive instructions on where to send or take the kit for analysis, to check for blood or parasites. Your doctor may also check for blood in your stool by examining your rectum during your physical exam.
Flexible sigmoidoscopyFlexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera (called a sigmoidoscope) on one end to look inside your rectum and lower colon.
This procedure can show signs of conditions or problems in the lower GI tract. During the procedure, the doctor can take a biopsy. You won’t feel the biopsy.
ColonoscopyColonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera (called a colonoscope) on one end to look inside your rectum and colon.
Colonoscopy can show irritated or swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps, and cancer. A trained specialist performs this procedure.
Colonoscopy testing
© October 2014 Terese Winslow LLC,
U.S. Govt. has certain rightsLower GI seriesA lower GI series, also called a Barium Enema, uses x-rays to look at your large intestine.
During a lower GI series, you’ll be asked to lie on a table while the doctor inserts a flexible tube into your anus. The doctor will fill your large intestine with barium. You may be asked to change positions several times during the test.
February 2015
Couresy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis
To diagnose IBS, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam.
Medical HistoryThe medical history will include questions about
- your symptoms
- family history of gastrointestinal (GI) tractdisorders
- recent infections
- medicines
- stressful events related to the start of your symptoms
- your symptoms started at least 6 months ago
- you’ve had pain or discomfort in your abdomen at least three times a month for the past 3 months
- your abdominal pain or discomfort has two or three of the following features:
- Your pain or discomfort improves after a bowel movement.
- You notice a change in how often you have a bowel movement.
- You notice a change in the way your stools look.
- checks for abdominal bloating
- listens to sounds within your abdomen using a stethoscope
- taps on your abdomen checking for tenderness or pain
- a family history of celiac disease, colon cancer , or inflammatory bowel disease
- a fever
- anemia
- bleeding from your rectum
- weight loss
Stool testA stool test is the analysis of a sample of stool. Your doctor will give you a container for catching and holding a stool sample. You will receive instructions on where to send or take the kit for analysis, to check for blood or parasites. Your doctor may also check for blood in your stool by examining your rectum during your physical exam.
Flexible sigmoidoscopyFlexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera (called a sigmoidoscope) on one end to look inside your rectum and lower colon.
This procedure can show signs of conditions or problems in the lower GI tract. During the procedure, the doctor can take a biopsy. You won’t feel the biopsy.
ColonoscopyColonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera (called a colonoscope) on one end to look inside your rectum and colon.
Colonoscopy can show irritated or swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps, and cancer. A trained specialist performs this procedure.
Colonoscopy testing
© October 2014 Terese Winslow LLC,
U.S. Govt. has certain rightsLower GI seriesA lower GI series, also called a Barium Enema, uses x-rays to look at your large intestine.
During a lower GI series, you’ll be asked to lie on a table while the doctor inserts a flexible tube into your anus. The doctor will fill your large intestine with barium. You may be asked to change positions several times during the test.
February 2015
Couresy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis
Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
How do doctors treat IBS?Though irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) doesn’t have a cure, your doctor can manage the symptoms with a combination of diet, medicines, probiotics, and therapies for mental health problems. You may have to try a few treatments to see what works best for you. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment plan.
Changes in eating, diet, and nutritionChanges in eating, diet, and nutrition, such as following a FODMAP diet, can help treat your symptoms.
MedicinesYour doctor may recommend medicine to relieve your symptoms.
Some medicines can cause side effects. Ask your doctor and your pharmacist about side effects before taking any medicine. MedlinePlus maintains the latest information about side effects and drug warnings.
ProbioticsYour doctor may also recommend probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms—tiny organisms that can be seen only with a microscope. These microorganisms, most often bacteria, are like the microorganisms that are normally present in your GI tract. Studies have found that taking large enough amounts of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacteria and certain probiotic combinations, can improve symptoms of IBS. However, researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat IBS.
You can find probiotics in dietary supplements, such as capsules, tablets, and powders, and in some foods, such as yogurt.
Discuss your use of complementary and alternative medical practices, including probiotics and dietary supplements, with your doctor.
Therapies for mental health problemsPsychological therapies may improve your IBS symptoms.
Managing Stress
Learning to reduce stress can help improve IBS. With less stress, you may find you have less cramping and pain. You may also find it easier to manage your symptoms.
Some options for managing stress include
Talk therapy may reduce stress and improve your IBS symptoms. Two types of talk therapy that health care professionals use to treat IBS are cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic, or interpersonal, therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on your thoughts and actions. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how your emotions affect your IBS symptoms. This type of therapy often involves relaxation and stress management techniques.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
In gut-directed hypnotherapy, a therapist uses hypnosis to help you relax the muscles in the colon.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness training can teach you to focus your attention on sensations occurring at the moment and to avoid catastrophizing, or worrying about the meaning of those sensations.
February 2015
Courtesy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatment
Changes in eating, diet, and nutritionChanges in eating, diet, and nutrition, such as following a FODMAP diet, can help treat your symptoms.
MedicinesYour doctor may recommend medicine to relieve your symptoms.
- Fiber supplements to relieve constipation when increasing fiber in your diet doesn’t help.
- Laxatives to help with constipation. Laxatives work in different ways, and your doctor can recommend a laxative that’s right for you.
- Loperamide to reduce diarrhea by slowing the movement of stool through your colon. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal that reduces diarrhea in people with IBS, though it doesn’t reduce pain, bloating, or other symptoms.
- Antispasmodics, such as hyoscine, cimetropium, and pinaverium, help to control colon muscle spasms and reduce pain in your abdomen.
- Antidepressants , such as low doses of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, to relieve IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain. In theory, because of their effect on colon transit, tricyclic antidepressants should be better for people with IBS with diarrhea, or IBS-D, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors should be better for people with IBS with constipation, or IBS-C, although studies haven’t confirmed this theory. Tricyclic antidepressants work in people with IBS by reducing their sensitivity to pain in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as normalizing their GI motilityand secretion.
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza) for people who have IBS-C to improve abdominal pain or discomfort and constipation symptoms.
- Linaclotide (Linzess) for people who have IBS-C to relieve abdominal pain and increase how often you have bowel movements.
- The antibiotic rifaximin to reduce bloating by treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. However, experts are still debating and researching the use of antibiotics to treat IBS.
- Coated peppermint oil capsules to reduce IBS symptoms.
Some medicines can cause side effects. Ask your doctor and your pharmacist about side effects before taking any medicine. MedlinePlus maintains the latest information about side effects and drug warnings.
ProbioticsYour doctor may also recommend probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms—tiny organisms that can be seen only with a microscope. These microorganisms, most often bacteria, are like the microorganisms that are normally present in your GI tract. Studies have found that taking large enough amounts of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacteria and certain probiotic combinations, can improve symptoms of IBS. However, researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat IBS.
You can find probiotics in dietary supplements, such as capsules, tablets, and powders, and in some foods, such as yogurt.
Discuss your use of complementary and alternative medical practices, including probiotics and dietary supplements, with your doctor.
Therapies for mental health problemsPsychological therapies may improve your IBS symptoms.
Managing Stress
Learning to reduce stress can help improve IBS. With less stress, you may find you have less cramping and pain. You may also find it easier to manage your symptoms.
Some options for managing stress include
- taking part in stress reduction and relaxation therapies such as meditation
- getting counseling and support
- taking part in regular exercise such as walking or yoga
- reducing stressful life situations as much as possible
- getting enough sleep
Talk therapy may reduce stress and improve your IBS symptoms. Two types of talk therapy that health care professionals use to treat IBS are cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic, or interpersonal, therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on your thoughts and actions. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how your emotions affect your IBS symptoms. This type of therapy often involves relaxation and stress management techniques.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
In gut-directed hypnotherapy, a therapist uses hypnosis to help you relax the muscles in the colon.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness training can teach you to focus your attention on sensations occurring at the moment and to avoid catastrophizing, or worrying about the meaning of those sensations.
February 2015
Courtesy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatment
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
How can my diet treat the symptoms of IBS?Eating smaller meals more often, or eating smaller portions, may help your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea if you have IBS.
Eating foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables, may help.
Fiber may improve constipation symptoms caused by IBS because it makes stool soft and easier to pass. Fiber is a part of foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services state in its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 that adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.3
While fiber may help constipation, it may not reduce the abdominal discomfort or pain of IBS. In fact, some people with IBS may feel a bit more abdominal discomfort after adding more fiber to their diet. Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them. Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS. Adding fiber to your diet slowly, by 2 to 3 grams a day, may help prevent gas and bloating.
What should I avoid eating to ease IBS symptoms?Certain foods or drinks may make symptoms worse, such as
Your doctor may recommend that you try a special diet—called low FODMAP or FODMAP—to reduce or avoid certain foods containing carbohydrates that are hard to digest. Examples of high FODMAP foods and products you may reduce or avoid include
February 2015
Courtesy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/eating-diet-nutrition
Eating foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables, may help.
Fiber may improve constipation symptoms caused by IBS because it makes stool soft and easier to pass. Fiber is a part of foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services state in its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 that adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.3
While fiber may help constipation, it may not reduce the abdominal discomfort or pain of IBS. In fact, some people with IBS may feel a bit more abdominal discomfort after adding more fiber to their diet. Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them. Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS. Adding fiber to your diet slowly, by 2 to 3 grams a day, may help prevent gas and bloating.
What should I avoid eating to ease IBS symptoms?Certain foods or drinks may make symptoms worse, such as
- foods high in fat
- some milk products
- drinks with alcohol or caffeine
- drinks with large amounts of artificial sweeteners
- beans, cabbage, and other foods that may cause gas
- what you eat during the day
- what symptoms you have
- when symptoms occur
Your doctor may recommend that you try a special diet—called low FODMAP or FODMAP—to reduce or avoid certain foods containing carbohydrates that are hard to digest. Examples of high FODMAP foods and products you may reduce or avoid include
- fruits such as apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, mango, nectarines, pears, plums, and watermelon, or juice containing any of these fruits
- canned fruit in natural fruit juice, or large quantities of fruit juice or dried fruit
- vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic and garlic salts, lentils, mushrooms, onions, and sugar snap or snow peas
- dairy products such as milk, milk products, soft cheeses, yogurt, custard, and ice cream
- wheat and rye products
- honey and foods with high-fructose corn syrup
- products, including candy and gum, with sweeteners ending in “–ol,” such as
- sorbitol
- mannitol
- xylitol
- maltitol
February 2015
Courtesy of https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/eating-diet-nutrition