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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 FODMAPs 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 FODMAPs 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 Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), so are therefore not strictly FODMAPs friendly.

The following Optibac supplements contain the FOS:

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

Live cultures 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 live cultures have been clinically trialled against gut health in those with IBS, and particularly in those with bloating, flatulence and so on. 

Author: Jo Saunders, Nutritional Therapist DipCNM MBANT.