Translational nutritional science

A landmark paper on the efficacy of a dietary intervention in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was published in the journal Gastroenterology in January 2014*

A randomised controlled cross-over dietary trial provided high-quality evidence to support the use of a diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) as a first-line therapy for patients with IBS.

FODMAPs are poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates, which appear to be associated with the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by people with IBS. The low-FODMAP diet has changed the paradigm of treatment for IBS. Monash University released an ‘App’ to help implement the low- FODMAP diet, which was downloaded more than 45,000 times in more than 75 countries during 2014.

*Halmos EP et al. A diet low in FODMAPs reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology 2014;146(1):67-75.