Fermentable Oligo-Di-Mono-saccharides And Polyols (FODMAP) consumption in Belgian healthy adults and irritable bowel syndrome patients

Background and study aims: A large amount of FODMAP-rich food is part of a balanced and recommended diet for the general population. This study aims to assess quantitatively FODMAP consumption in a sample of the Belgian adult population of healthy volunteers (HV) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.

Patients and methods: Participants completed five-day food diaries. Food portions were translated into quantities (g or ml) with the help of the “Poids et Mesure” manual (CSS, 2005). Nutritional valorisations were conducted using validated nutritional tables (Souci Fachmann Kraut, Ciqual, Nubel) and data from published studies. Student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for comparisons. Statistical significance was fixed at 5%.

Results: Forty food diaries were analysed (20 HV, 60% F, mean age 40 (16); 20 IBS patients, 85% F, mean age 46.7 (20.0)). The mean total FODMAP consumption was moderate for HV and was significantly lower in IBS patients (15.3 (5.4) g/d vs. 8.4 (5.1) g/d; p=0.0002), specifically for lactose (p=0.0009) and fructans (p=0.0004). In both groups, lactose represented the highest proportion of FODMAP consumed, while galactans were the least consumed. Most of the HV were considered as moderate or high consumers of FODMAP (45% [9g/d; 15.9g/d]; 45% ≥16g/d), while IBS patients were mainly low consumers (65% <9g/d).

Conclusions: FODMAP consumption in the Belgian adult general population is moderate, with the highest proportion of lactose, while IBS patients consume significantly fewer FODMAP.

Keywords: FODMAP, IBS, Belgian, Adult.