Online FODMAP and IBS training for Dietitians

This module explains what functional bowel disorders (FBDs) are, the various symptom manifestations and the mechanisms that drive symptom onset. Topics covered include an overview of FBDs and IBS, including prevalence, causes, major symptoms, diagnosis, typical investigations, red flags/alarm features, differential diagnoses, pseudo-diagnoses, alternative investigations and the role of breath testing in the management of IBS.

This module describes a range of proposed symptom triggers in IBS, including fat, gluten and other wheat proteins, fibre, lactose, fructose, sugar polyols and oligosaccharides. It also introduces the concept of FODMAPs and reviews the efficacy of a FODMAP diet in the management of IBS.

This module explores the FODMAP composition of food. Topics covered include analytical techniques used to measure FODMAP composition, the cut-offs used to define a food as low in FODMAPs; the FODMAP composition of different food groups; the effects of food processing and ingredient selection on FODMAP content, and international differences in the FODMAP composition of food.

This module describes the initial dietetic assessment that should be undertaken before a FODMAP diet is commenced in patients with suspected or diagnosed IBS. Topics covered include the clinical assessment (including bowel and gastrointestinal symptoms, family history, medical history, investigations and red flags); dietary assessment (including intake of fibre, fluid, FODMAPs, and known or suspected dietary triggers); potential compliance issues and exercise habits.

This module provides practical ideas about how to implement the Step 1 low FODMAP diet. Topics covered include how to educate patients about FODMAP actions in the gut; how to use the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet™ App correctly; cooking and recipe modification techniques; food label reading for FODMAPs; eating out and travelling on a FODMAP diet; individualizing Step 1 and the merits of group versus one-on-one FODMAP education.

This module discusses the reintroduction step of the FODMAP diet. Topics covered include the rationale for reintroducing FODMAPs; evidence to support a reintroduction protocol; different reintroduction approaches; individualizing Steps 2 and 3; interpreting challenge responses and diet for long-term bowel health.

This module discusses the troubleshooting strategies that can be used to identify reasons for a poor response to a FODMAP diet and strategies that may improve treatment response. Topics covered include compliance issues; physiological reasons for a poor response; considering food eaten out and while travelling; the role of other dietary triggers; managing specific IBS symptoms and managing other co-morbidities that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

This module explores psychological and pharmacological therapies for the management of IBS. Topics covered include gut-directed hypnotherapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; stress management; probiotic therapy and pharmacological therapies.

This module explores the roles of other dietary therapies (both evidence-based and not) that can be used / are used in addition to (or replacement of) a FODMAP diet in patients with IBS. Topics covered include fibre modification; the gluten free diet; the NICE guidelines diet; adding glucose to fructose; a low fructose diet; the use of kiwifruit; the roles of A1 and A2 milk proteins; as well as fat, caffeine, alcohol and food chemical restriction.

This module describes the application of a FODMAP diet to other populations, including children and adolescents with IBS; women with endometriosis; breastfeeding mother of infants with colic, and patients with suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).