Effects of Ellagic Acid Supplementation on Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a type of intestinal dysfunction. Oxidative stress plays a significant pathological role in this disease. Ellagic acid (EA) as a dietary polyphenol is known to have antioxidant effects. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ellagic acid supplementation on quality of life in patients with IBS.

A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 44 patients with IBS in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran 2019. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either a capsule containing 180 mg EA per day (n=22) or placebo, a capsule containing 180 mg wheat flour, (n=22) for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, demographic characteristics and frequency of physical activity were recorded, and 24-hour dietary recall index and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL-34) questionnaire were completed. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20.

At the beginning and end of the study, there were no significant differences between the two groups in anthropometric indices, food intake, and physical activity (P>0.05). At the end of the study, EA consumption significantly decreased the mean IBS-QOL total score compared to baseline and significantly increased quality of life (P<0.05). The study showed no significant change in the quality of life in the placebo group (P>0.05).

According to this study, dietary polyphenols such as ellagic acid improve bowel function, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, thereby improving the quality of life in patients with IBS. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20141025019669N11)