Assessment of faecal microbial transfer in irritable bowel syndrome with severe bloating

We read with interest the work by Halmos et al 1 in which they describe the effects of dietary FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono- saccharides And Polyols) restriction in patients with IBS on the intestinal microbiota. They showed that low FODMAP intake was associated with reduced total bacterial and lower relative abundance of butyrate-producing Clostridium cluster XIVa, changes that are generally considered unfavourable.2 Therefore, they...