Low FODMAP Diet.pdf - Information about Low FODMAP Diet To...

Information about
An information leaflet for patients and
interested members of the general public
prepared by the Digestive Health Foundation
SECOND EDITION 2013
Reviewed by:
Dr Jaci Barrett, APD,
Dept of Gastroenterology,
Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC
Laura Iannelli, BBiomedSci,
MHumNutr, Deakin University, VIC
Emma Halmos, BND, PGradDipBSc, APD
Dept of Gastroenterology, Monash University, Melbourne VIC
Low FODMAP
Diet
To improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
symptom control
Rationale
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional
gastrointestinal (GI) disorder affecting one in seven adults.
IBS is commonly characterised by GI symptoms such as
bloating and distension, excess wind (flatulence), abdominal
pain and altered bowel habits (diarrhoea and/or constipation).
These symptoms can create anxiety and stress, interfere with
busy schedules, and may compromise everyday life.
The underlying pathology of IBS is not well understood and a
number of factors may trigger symptoms.
Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides,
Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) are found in the
foods we eat. FODMAPs are sugars that are poorly absorbed
in the small intestine and reach the large intestine where they
produce gas and attract water.
FODMAPs are found in everyday foods including specific
dairy products, wheat and other grains, and fruits and
vegetables.
It’s important to remember FODMAPs are not the cause of
IBS, but managing them in the diet provides an opportunity
for reducing IBS symptoms.
Studies have shown that ingesting FODMAPs exacerbates
symptoms in most people with IBS, while dietary restriction of
FODMAPs improves symptom control.
However, if you are experiencing symptoms of IBS it is
important not to ‘self-diagnose’. Symptoms of IBS can also be
seen in other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders and may
require medical rather than dietary management. Changing
your diet can also mask underlying problems. It is vital that
you seek medical advice before changing your diet. Your
doctor can assess your symptoms and rule out any other
gastrointestinal diseases or more suitable eating plans.
Digestive Health Foundation

What is the Low FODMAP Diet?
The Low FODMAP diet involves many dietary changes
that are best reviewed in consultation with an accredited
dietitian. However a brief overview and sample meal
plan is shown below.
What are FODMAPs?
FODMAPs are a large group of dietary sugars found in
many common foods such as specific dairy products,
wheat and other grains, and fruits and vegetables.
FODMAPs are found in many foods we commonly eat
and is an acronym for:
Fermentable
Oligosaccharides – Fructans and galacto-
oligosaccharides (GOS)
Disaccharides – Lactose
Monosaccharides
And
– Fructose in excess of glucose
Polyols – Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol,
Xylitol and Isomalt
FODMAPs can be classified into two groups:
• Those FODMAPs that are partly absorbed
(fructose, lactose, polyols)
• Those FODMAPs that are not absorbed in anyone
(fructans and GOS)
How do FODMAPs affect people with IBS?