FODMAP

What are FODMAPs?

FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. FODMAPs are carbohydrates (saccharides) that are poorly absorbed or not absorbed at all in the small intestine and therefore end up in the large intestine. There, bacteria will break them down or ferment them. During the fermentation process, gas can be released which can lead to bloating and flatulence. The fermentation process can also attract liquids which can cause diarrhea or upset bowel movements. These symptoms only occur in people who are sensitive to one or more FODMAPs.

Do you want to find out if you are sensitive to one or more FODMAPs?
→ Do our intolerance test!

Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides are polycarbohydrates consisting of 3 to 9 carbohydrate molecules. Within the FODMAP group of oligosaccharides, we know two different types: fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides, or fructans and galactans. Fructans and galactans occur naturally in various fruits and vegetables and in cereal products, legumes and nuts.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are sugars made out of two carbohydrate molecules. Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is within the FODMAP group of disaccharides. Lactose is a sugar found primarily in milk, other dairy products, and in processed foods

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that consist of one carbohydrate molecule. Fructose, also known as fruit sugar, is within the FODMAP group of monosaccharides. Fructose occurs naturally in several fruits and vegetables and is added as a sweetener to many processed foods.

Polyols

Polyols are sugar alcohols and are also called ‘non-intensive sweeteners’. Sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are within the FODMAP group of polyols. Most polyols are added as sweeteners to processed (sugar-free) foods. In addition, they occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables.

Which foods contain FODMAPs?

FODMAPs occur naturally in different fruits and vegetables and are also added as sweeteners to many processed foods. Below we have listed the foods in which you will find each FODMAP saccharide. There is also a low FODMAP app from Monash University that allows you to check which FODMAP saccharides are in which foods.

Oligosaccharides: fructans and galactans

Fructans and galactans occur naturally in a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grain products. There are foods that contain only fructans or galactans, and there are foods that contain both.

Foods rich in fructans include:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Leeks
• Wheat
• Apricots
• Grapefruit
• Nectarine

Foods rich in galactans include:

• Brown beans
• Chickpeas
• Peas

Foods rich in both fructans and galactans include:

• Cashews
• Pistachios
• Soybeans
• Split peas

Disaccharides: lactose

Lactose, typically known to be in milk, can also be found in many other foods. Not every product contains the same amount of lactose. Commonly used lactose-containing products are:

• Milk and milk products such as yogurt, custard and cottage cheese
• Cheese, especially fresh cheeses such as cream cheese and cottage cheese
• Cookies and cakes
• Ice cream and milkshakes
• Whipped cream and other types of cream
• Butter

There are also many products in which there is only a small amount of lactose so most people are not affected by it. However, if your body does not produce a lactase enzyme at all, even these small amounts can cause symptoms. For example, some types of medication contain small amounts of lactose, such as asthma medication or other medications with lactose as an excipient.

Note: even ‘lactose-free’ (dairy) products often contain a small amount of lactose. So if you react strongly to lactose, you may also experience symptoms from these products.

Monosaccharides: fructose

Fructose is naturally found mostly in fruits and certain vegetables. In addition, it is often added as a sweetener to processed foods.

Foods that are high in (free) fructose:

• Fruits, such as apple, pear, and cherry
• Vegetables, such as asparagus, artichoke, and sugar snaps
• Fruit juice, such as apple juice and pear juice
• Dried fruits, such as raisins, figs, and dates
• Jams and fruit compotes/sauces, such as apple sauce
• Honey and maple syrup

Many processed products, such as soft drinks, sweets, dressings, and breakfast cereals contain fructose. It is often listed in the ingredient declaration on the label as fructose or glucose-fructose syrup.

Polyols

Polyols such as sorbitol and mannitol, occur naturally in different fruits and vegetables. Other polyols such as xylitol, are added primarily as sweeteners to processed foods. Polyols-rich foods include:

• Fruits, such as apple, apricot, cherry, pear, peach, and watermelon
• Vegetables, such as avocado, cauliflower, corn, cabbage, and mushrooms
• Coconut
• Sweet potato
• ‘Sugar-free’ products, such as sweets, gum, and soda

How to deal with a FODMAP intolerance

If FODMAPs cause intestinal symptoms, you need to watch what you eat. It is not wise to avoid FODMAPs altogether, but it is possible to limit them. Small amounts of FODMAPs usually do not cause any symptoms, although this can be different for each individual. You can choose a FODMAP-restricted diet, also known as low-FODMAP, or avoid certain FODMAPs, to which you are sensitive, as much as possible. The good news is that you can enjoy your food and drinks even with a low-FODMAP diet. The Internet is full of tips and delicious recipes that allow you to eat low FODMAP and above all, to enjoy food again.

FODMAP diet

The FODMAP diet is a way of finding out which FODMAPs you are sensitive to. It is a demanding and complex diet that should always be supervised by the guidance of a dietitian or other health professional. The diet usually consists of three phases:

1. In the elimination phase, all FODMAPs are eliminated from your diet. This involves eating and drinking completely FODMAP-free for several weeks.

2. In the reintroduction phase, the FODMAPs are added back to your diet one by one. After introducing each new FODMAP, you will be able to see whether you experience any intestinal symptoms, and if so, how much. In this way, you discover which FODMAPs you are sensitive to.

3. In the personalization phase, your dietitian will put together a personal diet, taking into account the FODMAPs that cause symptoms and the quantities that you can still tolerate.

Supplements

There are supplements with digestive enzymes that help digest FODMAPs in your small intestine, preventing them from entering your colon and fermenting there. By taking them with every meal, you can enjoy food containing FODMAPs even with a FODMAP intolerance and prevent symptoms.

Our product quatrase forte helps with the digestion of most FODMAP groups: lactose, fructose, fructans and galactans.*