Evidence for the use of the low FODMAP diet in children

Until now, dietary studies in children with IBS have assessed the effect of just one or two of the common FODMAP sugars, for example lactose, fructose and sorbitol.A recent dietary study in children, however, has updated this literature by looking at the low FODMAP diet as a whole.

This study was conducted by a team in the US. Our Monash team assisted to design the low FODMAP diet.  Researchers compared the typical American childhood diet (moderately high in FODMAPs) with a low FODMAP diet in children with IBS, who were aged between 7 and 17 years.

Researchers found that after just two days children experienced less abdominal pain on the low FODMAP diet, compared to when they ate the higher FODMAP diet.

Whilst a lot of research supports the use of a low FODMAP diet in adults with IBS, very little research has been done in children.  This latest study is promising, suggesting a low FODMAP diet may improve IBS symptom control in children,  but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

If you suspect your child has IBS, it is important that this is properly diagnosed by a doctor. You can read more about IBS in children in our https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/ibs-in-children/