FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. Remembering this is not important. Quite simply, FODMAP stands for a new class of carbohydrates noted to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome. They can also trigger symptoms in some patients with Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Coeliac disease. FODMAPs are poorly absorbed and rapidly fermented in the gut, increasing water and gas delivery through the bowel.

No – please don’t. Hydrogen/methane breath testing has been used for some time to confirm or deny the possibility that malabsorption of fructose (or other sugars) is contributing to gut symptoms. Since they became commercially available, research now demonstrates that fructose and other FODMAP carbohydrates can be symptom triggers regardless of breath test outcomes and as such we no longer recommend breath testing. There is a role for lactose breath testing to determine if lactose is a trigger, but our dietitians can also help you conduct dietary elimination and challenges to answer this question. Breath tests are expensive and there are many practitioners still referring their patients for up to 6 breath tests which can cost in excess of $600. So please, save your money. We can help you work out your FODMAP triggers in a much more pleasant way!

Firstly, fructose malabsorption is one component of the FODMAP diet. Those that require fructose restriction, almost always require restriction of other FODMAP carbohydrates. In the end most patients require an individualised form of the low FODMAP diet. During your consultation, the dietitian will examine your usual diet, symptom type and frequency, suspected food triggers to determine the level of FODMAP restriction required. They will then educate you on a low FODMAP diet, with rechallenges to be undertaken after 2-4 weeks to learn how to relax the diet long term whilst still controlling your symptoms.

Absolutely! A positive or negative breath test for fructose does not provide all the answers. Your lactose breath test outcome will be considered and is helpful in refining your dietary approach. Our dietitians can help to explain all of this, interpret your breath test results and guide you on an individualised low FODMAP diet.