Nutritional adequacy of a low FODMAP diet in children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the nutritional adequacy of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP’s) in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders
IRAS ID
141594
Contact name
Anne Payne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Plymouth University
Research summary
Paediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP) are commonly diagnosed in children. Treatment options aim to manage symptoms and include symptom-specific medication, psychological therapy and/or exclusion of foods thought to provoke symptoms. However evidence for these treatments are lacking and children may remain symptomatic. Recently, interest has grown in the use of a low FODMAP diet for children with FGID. This is an established treatment for IBS and some functional bowel disorders in adults and comprises the avoidance of foods high in Fermentable carbohydrates (Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols), collectively termed FODMAPs. This is an effective treatment in managing symptoms in adults, but no published evidence exists for its use in children. A low FODMAP diet could serve as a potential treatment option for children with FGID, however there is no assurance of its safety, particularly as it requires avoidance of a large variety of foods. The aim of this research is to determine the nutritional safety of a low FODMAP diet in children. Children with IBS/FAP aged 10-16 years will be identified by the consultant, and referred to the dietitian. At the routine dietetic appointment, children with signed consent will be given low-FODMAP dietary advice, and will be routinely followed up 6 weeks later. A food diary will be completed prior to commencing the diet, as well as 5-6 weeks later, while on the low FODMAP diet. In addition, symptom evaluation, weight and height, and quality of life evaluation will be measured at both the initial and follow-up appointments. Thereafter the patient will have completed the study. The information gathered will be invaluable to show dietitians whether this diet can be safely implemented in children, and as a pilot study for larger, randomised controlled trials within this subject.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1908
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion