Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Nutrition) (Disease/Disorder Overview‪)‬

Acting Head and Senior Lecturer, Division of Medical Gastroenterology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is best defined as a functional disorder, characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort and associated with abnormal defaecation. It is extremely common, with a worldwide prevalence of 10-15%. (1-3) IBS is more common in women than in men and typically presents in the third or fourth decades of life. It rarely manifests over the age of 50. (1-3) There is substantial overlap with other 'functional diseases' such as fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis and non-ulcer dyspepsia. (1-3)