FODMAP stands for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols which are names of groups of poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates.

FODMAPs are a collection of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in foods naturally or as food additives. FODMAPs include fructose (when in excess of glucose), fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactose and polyols (eg. sorbitol and mannitol).  When consumed in foods and/or drinks, FODMAPs can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine and pass through to the large intestine, where FODMAPs are readily fermented by bacteria or they may attract water into the large intestine (large bowel), which can alter how quickly the bowels move.  This may then trigger symptoms including excess wind, abdominal bloating and distension, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea, or a combination of both.

The Low FODMAP Diet is proven to be an effective dietary treatment for the vast majority of people with IBS and IBS-type symptoms.  There are 3 phases to the low FODMAP diet.  As part of Phase 1, the initial phase of the low FODMAP diet, high FODMAP foods are swapped for low FODMAP foods. During Phase 2 and 3, individuals will reintroduce FODMAP groups back into their diet to understand which FODMAP groups they tolerate and which they don’t tolerate and then develop a long term personalised IBS management plan.  FODMAP Friendly have laboratory tested many foods and products globally to be low in FODMAPs, providing those on the low FODMAP diet the confidence to eat and shop!