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Focus on FODMAPs What are FODMAPs? Read on to learn everything you need to know about FODMAP-friendly certification – and how it could help you.
What are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are a group of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. The acronym stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These include ingredients like fructans in wheat, onion and garlic, lactose in dairy, excess fructose in certain fruits, and sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol. In people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these poorly absorbed carbohydrates can draw water into the gut and rapidly ferment in the colon, leading to pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The low FODMAP diet is followed over three phases. The first phase limits high FODMAP foods for a short period of time. The second phase is a systematic reintroduction of foods to identify personal triggers that need to be avoided. The third and final phase is to follow a modified version of the diet, based on the individual’s personal triggers. This three phase diet should always be conducted under the guidance of a FODMAP trained dietitian. If you suspect you have IBS or you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, talk to your dietitian or find a dietitian near you on the free FODMAP Friendly app.
What is the FODMAP Friendly program? FODMAP Friendly is a certification body and organisation which specialises in IBS and the
Low FODMAP Diet. It was co-founded in 2012 with Dr Sue Shepherd, who was one of the team of researchers behind the Low FODMAP Diet. FODMAP Friendly was the first low FODMAP food certification program in the world. The organisation is built on four pillars: food certification, single ingredient testing, education and awareness. Learn more about FODMAP Friendly on their website or on their free to download app. The FODMAP Friendly app is designed to support individuals on their low FODMAP journey. It includes: • a searchable food list with PASS or FAIL ratings and serving sizes; • certified product listings, with filters by country, brand, or category; • a unique Recipe Maker, to help navigate FODMAP stacking; • over 200 dietitian-approved recipes and meal plans; and • a directory of FODMAP trained dietitians
How does FODMAP Friendly certification help you? For individuals living with IBS, knowing exactly what’s in their food matters. Seeing the FODMAP Friendly logo on a product provides immediate assurance that it has been independently laboratory tested, and meets the strict criteria for low FODMAP content. This removes guesswork, especially when interpreting complex ingredient lists. Certification empowers people to make informed choices and also builds brand credibility. Products bearing the FODMAP Friendly mark show a genuine commitment to supporting gut health, aligning brands with science and consumer wellbeing.
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ISSUE 74 • 2025
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