What are FODMAPs?

FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, And Polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates with two caracteristic effects on digestion:

1. they are osmotic active substances - they drag water into intestine and may cause diarrhea;
2. they are fermented by intestinal bacteria, what can yield gas and irritant by-products.

FODMAPs include:

• oligosaccharides: fructans (inulin, fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS) or oligofructose), galactans, and raffinose;
• disaccharides: lactose;
• monosaccharides: fructose;
• polyols: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, isomalt, erithrytol, arabitol, erythritol, glycol, glycerol, lactitol, ribitoll.  

Who Can Benefit from Low Sugar Diet?

People diagnosed with IBS, lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption (Dietary Fructose Intolerance - DFI), Crohn’s disease, chronic diarrhea, toddler’s diarrhea, and those with ‘indigestion’, ‘dyspepsia’, unexplained bloating, or irregular bowels may all benefit from low sugar (FODMAPs) diet. FODMAP diet may also be a way to lose weight in obese but otherwise healthy people.

Can FODMAP Diet be Dangerous?

FODMAP diet should not be introduced by any person with diabetes, hypoglicemia or other metabolic disorders, or in malnutrition, without prior consultation with a doctor. It may be necessary to interrupt FODMAP diet in any severe acute disease, after injury or surgery, and in other urgent situations. 

What Symptoms Can FODMAPs Cause

FODMAPs malabsorption may result in bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, symptoms of vitamin and mineral  deficiency, headache, lethargy, and depression.