Introduction:
FODMAPs are fermentable starches, oligosaccharides disaccharides
monosaccharides and polyols, found in food1-10. Research suggests that a subset
population, with functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, may
have difficulty with foods that have high amounts of specific FODMAP-containing
carbohydrates. Symptoms may include but are not limited to bloating, constipation,
distention, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excess flatulence1-9. In 2001, Dr. Sue
Shepherd, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, joined a team of researchers at Monash
University in Melbourne, Australia to identify foods containing specific fermentable
carbohydrates. They developed a trial elimination diet with the purpose of decreasing
functional gastrointestinal symptoms. The results of their work support the theory that
consumption of FODMAPs may contribute to the symptoms experienced by some
patients with diagnosed gut motility disorders2. Limitations to the FODMAP diet include
determining cut-off levels to indicate if the food is low or high FODMAP7, decreasing
foods that contain gut supportive prebiotics, and restricting high fibrous foods. High
FODMAP foods include those with prebiotics that support bowel health. Elimination of
prebiotics could affect the gut flora8, 15. Following, the diet limits wheat, rye, fruits and
vegetables (including legumes) which could cause a decrease in fiber consumption.
Having a decrease in fibrous foods can lead to constipation8.
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History:
In 1999, Dr. Sue Shepherd found that fructose malabsorption may contribute to
symptoms associated with gut motility disorders. She and her team created a diet to
monitor fructose malabsorption which she used in her own private practice, as a way to
help those who experienced undesirable outcomes when they consumed foods that
contained fructose12. After success with the fructose malabsorption diet, Shepherd
wanted to research effects that other fermentable starches may contribute to those
whose symptoms were not resolved with the elimination of fructose. In 2001
gastroenterologist Dr. Peter Gibson, Dr. Shepherd, and their team in the Department of
Gastroenterology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia transitioned to finding
those components of carbohydrates that along with fructose can cause poor absorption
and discomfort among a subset of the population that experience symptoms related to
gut motility, specifically patients with Crohns disease. The trend resulted in the
acronym FODMAP2. Gibson and Shepherd published their research in 2005 outlining
the hypothesis that excessive delivery of highly fermentable but poorly absorbed short-
chain carbohydrates and polyols to the distal small intestine and colonic lumen may
contribute to susceptibility to Crohns disease. A 2008 small pilot study indicated that
IBD patients with concurrent functional gut symptoms perceived a decrease in
abdominal symptoms while following a low FODMAP diet3. Recommendation was made
for a controlled dietary intervention trial for patients with functional gut symptoms. By
2009, Shepherd had enough evidence to suggest that the low FODMAP diet approach
was sufficient for widespread application for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with a
continuation of research needed to support the diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
patients with coexistent functional gut symptoms3, 7.
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can split fructan and galactans which cause malabsorption in almost all people. The
length of the oligosaccharide impact the malabsorption, anything with a polymerization
of less than 10 may have greater effect when malabsorbed9.
Polyols create osmotic symptoms. This is because polyol molecules are often too large
for simple diffusion across the epithelium. The smaller the polyol molecule the easier it
can get across the epithelium, creating less complication9.
The Monash University Low-FODMAP Diet was created to minimize the
consumption of foods that cause these liquid, solid, and gas distention, relieving
functional GI symptoms7. FODMAPs ferment rapidly and the rate is determined by the
length of the carbohydrate chain. Poor absorption occurs by virtue of slow, low-capacity
transport mechanisms across the epithelium(fructose), reduced activity of brush border
hydrolases(lactose), lack of hydrolases (fructose and galactans),or molecules being too
large for simple diffusion (polyols).7
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Phase One: Time-limited elimination phase where identified high FODMAP foods are
restricted and increase consumption of low FODMAP containing foods.
The elimination phase may last two to six weeks.13 In the Australian
studies, greatest symptom improvement occurred within 7 days.14 The
length of the elimination phase is variable, under supervision, to allow the
gut to rest in patients with more inflammation or long-term symptoms.
Phase Three: Most liberal and varied diet the individual can tolerate
Table 2. Common foods that contain high FODMAPs, categorized by the five FODMAP
specific groups2,4,12,13
FODMAP group Common High FODMAPs ( foods to avoid)
Excess Fructose Apple, watermelon, pear, mango, dried fruit, boysenberry, fig,
fruit juice, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, honey, corn syrup,
asparagus, artichoke, sugar snap peas
Fructans Beets, asparagus, garlic, leek, shallots, onions, artichoke,
Brussel sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, okra, fennel, wheat(bread,
pasta, biscuits, cracker, tortilla, gravy, etc.), rye, watermelon,
apples, peaches, nectarines, persimmon, chicory, onion
powder, barley
Lactose Milk, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, custard,
soft cheeses, evaporated milk, ripened cheeses
Galactans (GOS) Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, baked beans, legume beans,
pistachio nuts, cashews
Polyols Apple, apricot, avocado, cauliflower, green pepper, sorbitol,
mannitol, xylitol, malitol, isomalt, mushrooms, cherry,
watermelon, peach, pear, nectarines, snow peas, plums,
blackberries, lychee
Bold= in more than one area
Note: appendix 1 has an extensive FODMAP list categorized by food groups.
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assessed for dietary adherence and satisfaction with symptom improvement. 75.6%
were adherent to the diet, and 72.1% reported satisfaction with symptom improvement.
The researchers suggested that breath testing and dietary guidance may be a good
basis for adherence to the diet.10
of Celiac disease is well known for its use of the gluten restriction diet. However,
nonceliac gluten restriction is being investigated for patients with IBS, ADHD, chronic
fatigue, and many other conditions.11
Conclusion
The FODMAP elimination diet is a treatment option that may be appropriate for
patients who experience gut motility related symptoms. By eliminating fermentable
olgio-, di-, mono- saccharides, and polyols in the diet patients are likely to see
improvement in bloating, constipation, distention, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excess
flatulence1-9 . The diet is not a diet for otherwise healthy people7. Limitations to the
FODMAP diet include determining cut-off levels to indicate if the food is low or high
FODMAP7, decreasing foods that contain gut supportive prebiotics7, and restricting high
fibrous foods.
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References
1
Gibson PR, Shepherd SJ. Personal view: food for thought - Western lifestyle and susceptibility
to Crohn's disease. The FODMAP hypothesis. Alimentary pharmacology and
therapeutics aliment pharmacol ther. 2005;21(12):1399-1409. doi:10.1111/j.1365-
2036.2005.02506.x.
2
The Fodmap Solution: A Low Fodmap Diet Plan and Cookbook to Manage IBS and Improve
Digestion. Berkeley, CA: Shasta Press; 2014:1-28.
3
Gearry RB, Irving PM, Barrett JS, Nathan DM, Shepherd SJ, Gibson PR. Reduction of dietary
poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) improves abdominal symptoms
in patients with inflammatory bowel diseasea pilot study. Journal of Crohn's and
Colitis. 2009;3(1):8-14. doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2008.09.004.
4
Catsos P. Ibs: Free at last! Change your carbs, Change your life with the fodmap
elimination diet. 2nd ed. Portland, ME: Pond Cove Press; 2008.
5
Mcintosh K, Reed DE, Schneider T, et al. FODMAPs alter symptoms and the metabolome of
patients with IBS: a randomised controlled trial. Gut. March 2016. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-
2015-311339.
6
Bhn L, Strsrud S, Liljebo T, et al. Diet Low in FODMAPs Reduces Symptoms of Irritable
Bowel Syndrome as Well as Traditional Dietary Advice: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Gastroenterology. 2015;149(6). doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.07.054.
7
Gibson PR, Shepherd SJ. Evidence-based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal
symptoms: The FODMAP approach. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
2010;25(2):252-258. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.06149.x.
8
Barrett JS. Extending Our Knowledge of Fermentable, Short-Chain Carbohydrates for
Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2013;28(3):300-
306. doi:10.1177/0884533613485790.
9
Barrett JS, Gibson PR. Clinical ramifications of malabsorption of fructose and other short-chain
carbohydrates. Practical gastroenterology . August 2007:51-65.
10
De Roest RH, Dobbs BR, Chapman BA, et al. The low fodmap diet improves gastrointestinal
symptoms in patients with irritble bowel syndrome: a prospective study. International
Journal of Clinical Practice, 2013:67(9):895-903.
11
Barrett JS, Gibson PR. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and
polyols (FODMAPs) and nonallergic food intolerance: FODMAPs or food chemicals?
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2012;5(4):261-268.
doi:10.1177/1756283x11436241.
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12
You're in good hands!Welcome to Shepherd Works. Shepherd Works.
http://shepherdworks.com.au/about/. Accessed October 20, 2016.
13
Barrett J, Halmos E. Gastroenterological society of australia . Gastroenterological society of
australia . 2013. Information about low fodmap diet to improve irritable bowel syndrome
(ibs) symptom control
14
Lacy B, Chey W, Lembo A. New and Emerging Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel
Syndrome. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2015:11(4)(S2)
15
Mansueto P, Seidita A, Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Role of FODMAPs in Patients With Irritable
Bowel Sydrome, Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2015:30(5):665-682.
Doi:10.1177/0884533615569886
Additional Resources/links:
Fodmap Monash University app and website
http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/
App download: apple app store or google play
Dr. Sue Shepherds website: http://shepherdworks.com.au/disease-information/low-
fodmap-diet/
*Martin Lee website: https://rmdietetic.com/about/
Patsy Catsos: http://www.ibsfree.net/about-patsy-catsos/
Kate Scarlata: http://www.katescarlata.com/
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Protein: Meat, Beef, chicken, tuna, eggs, egg whites, Avoid foods made with HFCS, wheat
poultry, fish, fish, pork, shellfish, lamb, cold cuts, sauce, fruit sauce, etc
eggs, etc etc
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Dairy Lactaid brand products (ice cream, Coconut milk, coconut cream, soy
milk, cottage cheese) Lactose free milk, lactose containing foods (milk,
yogurt, rice milk, non-dairy creamer, yogurt, evaporated milk, eggnog,
lactose-free whipped non-dairy cream cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen
(Cool Whip), hard cheeses (cheddar, yogurt, sour cream, soft cheeses,
colby, parmesan, Swiss), Daiya dairy buttermilk, chocolate, sweetened
free cheese, Toffuti sour cream condense milk, evaporated milk,
whipped cream, ricotta cheese
Beverages Low FODMAP fruit juices, tea, water, Any beverages with fructose or high
lactose-free milk fructose corn syrup (soda,
carbonated beverages, vitamin
water, fizzy drinks), fortified wines
(sherry, port), soy milk, COFFEE,
sweetened iced tea
Seasonings, Most spices and herbs are okay, Garlic, honey, mams, jellies,
condiments, homemade broth, flaxseed, olive oil, molasses, relish, agave, HFCS,
And pepper, salt, sugar, maple syrup artificial sweetners, high fodmap fruit
sweeteners (without HFCS), marinara sauce, sauces, salad dressing made with
balsamic vinegar, mustard, olives, high FODMAPs, honey, sugar
vinegar alcohols: sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt,
xylitol
Additives Corn starch, modified food starch, Inulin, Chicory root and chicory root
carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum extract, Corn syrup solids
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