MedPath

Effects of a Novel Machine Learning Mobile App on Diet Adherence in Individuals Following the Low Fodmap Diet

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Interventions
Other: Heali mobile application + Registered Dietitian
Other: Heali mobile application
Other: Standard Dietary Education
Registration Number
NCT04256551
Lead Sponsor
Arizona State University
Brief Summary

A high fermented, oligio-, di-, monosaccharide, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has been shown to exacerbate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous literature has shown significant improvement in IBS symptoms after adherence to a low FODMAP diet (LFD); hence, LFD is a viable treatment method for IBS and IBS-like symptoms. However, adherence to the LFD has proven to be difficult with participants stating that information provided by medical practitioners is generalized and nonspecific requiring them to search for supplementary information to fit their individual needs. Notably, studies that have used a combination of online and in-person methods for treatment have shown improved adherence to the LFD. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a novel machine learning dietary mobile application (ML-App) will improve adherence to the LFD compared to a standard online dietary intervention in populations with IBS or IBS-like symptoms over a 4 week period.

Detailed Description

Subjects will be residents of California or Arizona and recruited to the study via response to the study recruitment questionnaire advertised through online flyers, social media platforms (i.e., facebook and instagram), list serves, and recruitment services across all Arizona State University (ASU) campuses. This 6-week randomized controlled experimental study consists of a 4-week intervention period that immediately follows a 2-week baseline symptom monitoring period. The trial is conducted completely online. Data analyses will begin immediately once the trial is initiated and is expected to occur for up to one year after study completion. Following a 2-week monitoring period, participants will be randomized (via a number draw randomization method) into one of three groups: Machine Learning (ML) App + Registered Dietitian (RD) facilitator (ML-RD), ML mobile application (ML-App), or Standard Dietary Education (CON). The ML-RD group will be provided access to the Heali mobile application as well as a personal RD to provide nutrition support and answer any questions through a real-time messaging system within the mobile app. The ML-APP group receives access to the Heali mobile dietary application only. All groups will receive a link to resources regarding the LFD including an educational guide to the implementation of the elimination and reintroduction phases of the diet, a suitable/unsuitable food guide, 19 substitutes for unsuitable foods, a guide of example meals (i.e., breakfast-6 recipes, lunch-8 recipes, dinner-12 recipes, and snacks/beverages-13 recipes), and tips for reading labels and eating a balanced diet while following the LFD. The website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
58
Inclusion Criteria
  • IBS-SSS score ≥ 175 (moderate to severe IBS)
  • meet the Rome IV criteria for IBS of any type including those with IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS mixed typed (IBS-M), or IBS unsubtyped (IBS-U), and had symptoms for the past 3 months or greater
  • own an I-phone
  • have not used a dietary application or elimination diet for IBS in the past 6 months
  • must be willing to participate in the low FODMAP diet intervention over a 4-week period with a monitoring period of 2-weeks
  • agree to complete online questionnaires as frequently as once per week from study start.
Exclusion Criteria
  • individuals with food allergies (not food intolerances)
  • smokers
  • those with history of chronic disease (other than gastrointestinal dysfunction)
  • nutrition student or professional
  • prescription medication is permitted unless the medication is to treat IBS (which includes steroids).

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Machine Learning App + Registered Dietitian facilitatorHeali mobile application + Registered DietitianThe ML-RD group will be provided access to the Heali mobile application as well as a personal RD to provide nutrition support and answer any questions through a real-time messaging system within the mobile app. Group will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Machine Learning App + Registered Dietitian facilitatorStandard Dietary EducationThe ML-RD group will be provided access to the Heali mobile application as well as a personal RD to provide nutrition support and answer any questions through a real-time messaging system within the mobile app. Group will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Machine Learning AppHeali mobile applicationThe ML-APP group receives access to the Heali mobile dietary application. Group will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Machine Learning App + Registered Dietitian facilitatorHeali mobile applicationThe ML-RD group will be provided access to the Heali mobile application as well as a personal RD to provide nutrition support and answer any questions through a real-time messaging system within the mobile app. Group will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Machine Learning AppStandard Dietary EducationThe ML-APP group receives access to the Heali mobile dietary application. Group will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Standard Dietary EducationStandard Dietary EducationGroup will receive a link to resources regarding the Low FODMAP diet: website is located at http://www.myginutrition.com/news.html and operated by the University of Michigan Health System
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Rome IVChange from Baseline at week 6

A diagnostic tool to determine severity of gastrointestinal dysfunction and the most updated method to diagnose IBS. Participants will complete the self-administered online survey. Based on the results of the survey, we will identify the IBS category. \[e.g., IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS mixed typed (IBS-M), or IBS unsubtyped (IBS-U)\]

IBS-SSSChange from Baseline at week 6

A symptom severity screener validated by Francis et al. The IBS-SSS is a short survey filled out by participants which categorizes them into one of four categories based on their responses: \>75-no symptoms, 75 to \<175-mild IBS, 175 to \<300-moderate IBS, and ≥300-severe IBS.23

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Low FODMAP dietary adherence (LFDA)Change from Baseline at week 6

short Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)

Low FODMAP dietary knowledge (LFDK)Change from Baseline at week 6

short survey composed of a series of questions to determine participants' knowledge of the LFD

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Arizona State University

🇺🇸

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath