From the Guidelines
The purpose of a Low FODMAP diet is to help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders by temporarily eliminating certain fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger digestive symptoms. This dietary approach involves removing high-FODMAP foods for 2-6 weeks, then systematically reintroducing them to identify specific triggers. Foods high in FODMAPs include certain fruits (apples, pears), vegetables (onions, garlic), dairy products containing lactose, wheat-based products, and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol. The diet works because these short-chain carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and drawing water into the intestine, which can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits in sensitive individuals. For best results, the Low FODMAP diet should be implemented under the guidance of a registered dietitian who can ensure nutritional adequacy and help with the proper elimination and reintroduction phases, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. This is not meant to be a permanent restrictive diet but rather a diagnostic tool to identify personal triggers and develop a personalized long-term eating plan. Some key points to consider when implementing a Low FODMAP diet include:
- The diet should be tailored to the individual's needs and preferences, taking into account their nutritional status, physical and mental comorbidities, and psychosocial factors 1.
- The diet should be delivered by a dietitian who can provide guidance on the proper elimination and reintroduction phases, as well as ensure nutritional adequacy 1.
- The diet may have benefits for symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with IBS, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on mental health comorbidities 1.
- A gentle FODMAP diet or standard diet may be more appropriate for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, and a Mediterranean diet may be considered for patients with psychological-predominant symptoms 1. Overall, the Low FODMAP diet is a useful tool for managing symptoms of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, and should be implemented under the guidance of a registered dietitian.
From the Research
Purpose of a Low FODMAP Diet
The purpose of a Low FODMAP diet is to manage symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by restricting the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) [ 2 ].
Key Components of a Low FODMAP Diet
- The diet consists of three stages: FODMAP restriction, FODMAP reintroduction, and FODMAP personalisation [ 3 ].
- The first stage involves restricting FODMAPs to alleviate IBS symptoms [ 4 ].
- The second stage involves reintroducing FODMAPs to identify trigger foods [ 5 ].
- The third stage involves personalising the diet to exclude individual FODMAP triggers [ 6 ].
Efficacy of a Low FODMAP Diet
- Studies have shown that a low FODMAP diet can improve IBS symptoms in 52-86% of patients [ 5 ].
- A low FODMAP diet has been shown to be effective in reducing abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel habit symptoms [ 2 ].
- The diet has been recognised as first-line therapy for the treatment of IBS symptoms [ 4 ].