What are FODMAPS?

What are FODMAPS?

The term FODMAPS, is essentially an acronym for a group of fermentable, poorly broken down short-chain carbohydrates (sugars). Simply put, they are undigested sugars that are ‘fast food’ for or ‘feed’ the bacteria in our bowels. Yes we all do have bacteria in our bowels and in fact, they are essential for good health! It is these particular food components (FODMAPS) that can cause bloating, gas and diarrhoea in individuals who have Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dietitians use a Low-FODMAP diet to help identify food triggers in those individual’s with IBS. We are all different, so react differently to different foods. A Low-FODMAPS diet is not a long term eating plan and if not planned correctly, can be nutritional inadequate. Please remember that FODMAPS are often found in healthy foods and are actually beneficial for our health – as long as we do not react to them – so like always, don’t cut out foods unnecessary. Before starting the Low-FODMAP diet, please see an Accredited Practising dietitian (APD).

FODMAPS stands for:

Fermentable – rapidly broken down by bacteria in the bowel

Oligosaccharides – fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) e.g. legumes, wheat based products, watermelon, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onion, garlic, inulin…

Disaccharides – such as lactose e.g. milk, milk products, yoghurt…

Monosaccharides – fructose e.g. HFCS, honey, apples, mangos, pears, sugar snap peas…

And

Polyols – sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and maltitol e.g. apples, stone fruit, avocado, cauliflower, diet-foods, chewy, mints…

Keep smiling and experimenting with your food! G xx

By Georgie Rist. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Accredited Nutritionist, and Sports Dietitian

What is hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)?

What is hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)?

We get asked this question a lot – so I though I would write a special post for you all…

HFI is an inherited (genetic) condition where a person is born unable to digest the sugar fructose.  Unlike fructose malabsorption, where symptoms occur because the cells of the bowel cannot absorb fructose; HFI is a deficiency and inability to produce the liver enzyme (fructose 1-aldolase, to be technical!) needed to breakdown fructose. Symptoms of HFI are only seen when the child eats fructose for the first time and if left untreated can cause severe health problems for the child.

How common is HFI?

About 1 in every 25,000 people are reported to have HFI

How common is Fructose malabsorption?

About 1 in 3 people have fructose malabsorption.

Treatment of HFI

Elimination of fructose, sucrose and sorbitol under the guidance of Paediatrician and dietitian.

This differs from fructose malabsorption, where small to moderate amounts of fructose can still be consumed without symptoms when balanced out with a higher proportion of glucose.

There are often lots of terms thrown around these days and some incorrectly used interchangeably. In this case, I hope this clarifies the difference between HFI and fructose malabsorption for you.

G xx

By Georgie Rist. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Accredited Nutritionist, and Sports Dietitian