The low FODMAP diet and its application in East and Southeast Asia

Thai green curry. Image: Monash Dept of Gastroenterology

There is growing interest in using food choice/dietary change to influence clinical outcomes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) diet is an evidence-based approach that is increasingly used in many Western countries, and holds great promise in treating IBS patients in East and Southeast Asia. However, the success of this dietary approach greatly depends on detailed knowledge about the FODMAP composition of food commonly consumed in that country.