FODMAP Content of Curd and Semolina
Curd (yogurt) and semolina are NOT universally low FODMAP foods—curd is high FODMAP due to lactose content unless lactose-free, while semolina is high FODMAP due to fructan content from wheat.
Curd (Yogurt) FODMAP Classification
Regular dairy-based curd is high FODMAP due to its lactose content, which increases small intestinal water volume and colonic gas production in individuals with visceral hypersensitivity 1, 2
Lactose is a disaccharide that falls under the FODMAP category and must be eliminated during the restriction phase of a low FODMAP diet 1
Lactose-free curd or yogurt alternatives (such as those made from almond milk or coconut milk) would be considered low FODMAP and can be consumed during the restriction phase 2
During the reintroduction phase of the low FODMAP diet, you can systematically challenge lactose by reintroducing small amounts of regular curd to assess individual tolerance 2
Semolina FODMAP Classification
Semolina is high FODMAP because it is derived from wheat, which contains fructans—a type of fermentable oligosaccharide 1
Wheat products, including semolina, pasta, breads, and breakfast cereals, must be eliminated during the initial elimination phase of the low FODMAP diet 1
Fructans are among the most common FODMAPs triggering symptoms during reintroduction, along with mannitol and galacto-oligosaccharides 3, 4
Research demonstrates that fructans specifically are associated with worsened abdominal pain in IBS patients who have responded to FODMAP elimination 4
Practical Recommendations for IBS Management
If you are implementing a low FODMAP diet for IBS symptom management, both regular curd and semolina should be strictly avoided during the 4-6 week restriction phase 3, 1
The low FODMAP diet should only be implemented as second-line therapy after first-line traditional dietary advice has failed to provide adequate symptom relief 3, 1
Implementation must be supervised by a registered dietitian with gastrointestinal expertise, as the diet is complex and requires careful nutritional monitoring 3, 1
The restriction phase should not be continued long-term due to potential nutritional inadequacies and negative impacts on the gut microbiome, particularly reducing beneficial bifidobacteria 3, 1
Important Caveats
For individuals with mild gastrointestinal symptoms, a "gentle" or "bottom-up" approach focusing on restricting selected high-FODMAP foods may be more appropriate than complete elimination 1
Patients with moderate to severe anxiety or depression are poor candidates for the strict low FODMAP diet and may benefit from alternative approaches 3, 1
After the initial restriction phase, systematic reintroduction is essential to develop an individualized long-term diet that includes as many FODMAPs as tolerated while maintaining symptom relief 3, 5