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Can I take Optibac on a FODMAPs diet?

Most of the Optibac range can be taken by those following a low-FODMAP diet, though some of our supplements do contain natural fibre in varying quantities. Find out which supplements may be best for you in this FAQ.

The FODMAP Diet (which stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols) was first developed in 1999 by a team at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia with the aim of relieving digestive symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It has since been adapted by researchers at King’s College London and implemented at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

The FODMAP diet focuses on avoiding a number of short chain carbohydrates which cannot be broken down and absorbed by the small intestine, namely oligosaccharides, disaccharides and monosaccharides. It is believed that the fermentation of these carbohydrates can trigger symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements etc.

Some of the products in our range contain prebiotics called Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), so are therefore not strictly FODMAP-friendly.

The following Optibac supplements contain prebiotics:

Having said that, One Week Flat, Every Day and Babies & Children contain very small amounts of prebiotic FOS, and we have many consumers with IBS that happily take these products with no problems at all. However, if you are following a strict FODMAP diet, they may prefer to take one of our products that doesn’t contain FOS. If this is the case we have a number of suitable FODMAP-friendly products:

Probiotics and IBS

If you are a healthcare practitioner and are reading this this because you have an interest in IBS, it is worth noting that some probiotics have been clinically trialled against gut health in those with IBS, and particularly in those with bloating, flatulence and so on. 

This FAQ has been answered by Jo Saunders, Nutritional Therapist DipCNM MBANT.