What is "fodmap"

FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They include short chain oligo- saccharide polymers of fructose ( fructans) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS, stachyose, raffinose), disaccharides ( lactose), monosaccharides ( fructose), and sugar alcohols ( polyols), such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and maltitol.

The term FODMAP is an acronym, derived from "Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols". Although FODMAPs are naturally present in food and the human diet, FODMAP restriction has been found to improve symptom control in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Prior to the formation of the FODMAP concept, diet was seldom used as first line therapy for management of IBS and other FGID.