To present a framework for predicting individual responses to dietary interventions in IBS, emphasizing the integration of microbiome science into precision nutrition strategies.
Key Findings:
Baseline microbial ecology can stratify response to dietary interventions, indicating potential for personalized treatment.
Taxonomic features alone often fail to transport across studies, suggesting the need for more comprehensive metrics.
Functional readouts, including metabolites and volatile signatures, are closer to symptom mechanisms and can improve interpretability, enhancing clinical relevance.
Interpretation:
Clinical deployment is limited by endpoint heterogeneity, imperfect exposure and adherence measurement, batch effects, and insufficient external validation, necessitating targeted strategies to overcome these challenges.
Imperfect measurement of dietary exposure and adherence.
Batch effects may influence results.
Insufficient external validation and calibration of models.
Conclusion:
IBS is suitable for microbiome-informed responder prediction, requiring validation-first study designs and biologically interpretable decision rules to enhance clinical outcomes.
