Review article: FODMAPS, prebiotics and gut health-the FODMAP hypothesis revisited.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Restriction of dietary FODMAP intake can alleviate symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Because many FODMAPs have prebiotic actions, there is concern that their dietary restriction leads to dysbiosis with health consequences, and their intake is being encouraged by addition to foods and via supplements. AIMS: To examine the hazards and benefits of high and low FODMAP intake. METHODS: Current literature was reviewed and alternative hypotheses formulated. RESULTS: Low FODMAP intake reduces abundance of faecal Bifidobacteria without known adverse outcomes and has no effect on diversity, but the reduction in bacterial density may potentially be beneficial to gut health..