FODMAP Frequently Asked Questions

What are FODMAPs? Is the FODMAP diet right for you? These answers and more can be found in our FAQ section!

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1. What does FODMAP stand for?

F –FERMENTABLE – Fermentation: The process in which bacteria breakdown undigested carbohydrate to produce hydrogen and methane and carbon dioxide gases

O -OLIGOSACCHARIDES – Fructans and Galacto-oligosaccharides (ex. Wheat, Rye, Barley, Onions, Garlic, Legumes)

D -DISACCHARIDES – Lactose (ex. Milk, Yoghurt, Ice-Cream)

M -MONOSACCHARIDES – Fructose (ex. Honey, Watermelon, Apples, Pears)

A -AND

P -POLYOLS– Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol (ex. Apples, Apricots, Cauliflower, Breath Mints)
2. What happens when FODMAPs are malabsorbed by the small intestine?

When we eat these FODMAP sugars and they are not completely absorbed in the small intestine, the sugars continue to move through to the large intestine where a large colony of bacteria is present. This bacteria then begins to ferment the malabsorbed sugar, producing hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide gases. The production of this gas can result in uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including: bloating, stomach pain, stomach noises, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea.

3. What are low FODMAP and high FODMAP diet foods?

Food Group	HIGH FODMAP Foods	LOW FODMAP Foods
Vegetables	Asparagus, artichokes, onions(all), leek, garlic, sugar snap peas, beetroot, Savoy cabbage, cauliflower, celery, sweet corn, mushrooms	Alfalfa, bean sprouts, green beans, bok choy, capsicum, carrot, fresh herbs, choy sum, cucumber, lettuce, rocket, tomato, zucchini.
Fruit	Apples, apricots, figs, pears, mango, pears, watermelon, nectarines, peaches, plums	Banana, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, kiwi, orange, mandarin, grapes, melon
Grains	Rye, wheat-containing breads, wheat-based cereals with dried fruit, wheat pasta, barley	Gluten-free bread and sourdough spelt bread, rice bubbles, oats, gluten-free pasta, rice, quinoa
Meat and Alternatives	Legumes/pulses, cashews, pistachios	Meats, fish, chicken, Tofu, tempeh, almonds (<10 nuts), pumpkin seeds
Dairy	Cow’s milk, yoghurt, soft cheese cream, custard, ice cream	Lactose-free milk, lactose-free yoghurts, hard cheese

4. Is this a life-time diet?

No the low FODMAP diet is not a life-time diet. You will follow a strict low FODMAP diet for 2-6 weeks and review your progress with a dietitian. The dietitian will then work with you to adapt your diet to your tolerance level by doing FODMAP food challenges. Recent research has also shown that following a strict low FODMAP diet in the long term can reduce levels of certain beneficial bacteria in the gut. As such FODMAPs are important to bowel health and intake up to tolerance level should be encouraged.
5. What happens if I cheat on the diet?

The main aim of a low FODMAP diet is to achieve good symptom control. Occasional intake of FODMAPs may not induce symptoms when the overall load of FODMAPs is reduced. If you do experience gastrointestinal symptoms, return to a strict low FODMAP diet and symptoms should improve within 1–3 days.
6. Do I need a referral?

No. You do not require a referral to see a dietitian.
7. Can I claim anything back on Medicare?

Medicare rebates are available for patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs who have a ‘Enhanced Primary Care (EPC)’ program referral from their GP.
8. Do you offer telehealth consults?

Yes, we do offer telehealth consultations with the same pricing as our regular in clinic consults. Telehealth consults can be completed via video (Zoom) or phone.

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