The Elemental Diet a 2025 trial
Should we using the Elemental Diet more frequently in IBS, SIBO, and IMO>
review of :
Rezaie A, Chang BW, Germano JF, et al. Effect, Tolerability, and Safety of Exclusive Palatable Elemental Diet in Patients with Intestinal Microbial Overgrowth. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2025. Published online ahead of print. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2025.03.002.
“Is there any diet that may get rid of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)or will stabilize IBS ?”
That is a question I get all of the time from my patients.
Most people think it's the Low Fodmap Diet, but that isn't correct because it only controls symptoms.
The truth is, I only know of one that has been studied: The Elemental Diet.
And truth be told, I have always been hesitant to recommend it.
Back to that in a bit.
What is an elemental diet?
An elemental diet is a liquid formula consisting of free amino acids, simple sugars (e.g., glucose/maltodextrin), medium-chain triglycerides, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals completely pre-digested to require minimal digestion.
Its mechanism of Action in SIBO is proposed as follows…
