April is IBS Awareness Month, Nutrition Industry Highlights FODMAP Friendly Trend

03 Apr 2017 --- During April, the IBS Network, the national charity that supports people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, will be promoting IBS Awareness Month. By talking openly about the “debilitating long-term condition”, the charity aims to encourage more research, improve education and promote effective self-management for those with IBS. 

The awareness month ties in with the rising trend for low FODMAP foods.

Known to trigger and cause the symptoms of IBS, FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols, a collection of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols, which can be found in natural foods and in food additives.

Now, the nutrition industry is focusing on providing foods low in FODMAPS in order to help sufferers of IBS, with players as big as Nestle launching a low FODMAP drink late last year.

Explaining some of the challenges faced by consumers with IBS, Barbara McCartney, ‎Regional Business Head, Consumer Care, Nestle Health Science, told NutritionInsight, “A diet low in FODMAPs is meant to be an elimination diet for people with digestive discomfort.”

“Products such as ProNourish Nutritional Drink, are not only designed to be compliant with a low FODMAP diet, but are easy to consume on-the-go and provide great nutrition with 15 g protein, is gluten free, suitable for lactose intolerance, just 6 g of sugars and 170 calories per 8 fl oz bottle,” she said.

The Pronourish drink product from Nestle has also been met with praise from FODMAP Friendly, the FODMAP sector’s current and only regulator.

“Products/supplement drinks like Pro-Nourish have further benefit in the acute setting when dieticians are managing patients who are losing weight or malnourished,” says Tim Mottin, Director of FODMAP Friendly.

“Most of the products/supplement drinks on the market are high FODMAP and their consumption results in diarrhoea.”

“For patients who are losing weight, it is a real concern that the product that is being prescribed to help them maintain weight has the very side effect that will prevent its efficacy.”

“Having a high calorie product like Pro-Nourish available fills this gap in the market and can only benefit the health of these seriously ill patients.”

Alison Reid, CEO of The IBS Network explained that IBS is a complex and life-changing condition, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and a range of other symptoms.

“There is no definite cause and no single treatment for IBS,” she adds.

“Through supporting healthcare professionals and helping those with the condition, people can learn to live well again.”

She continues, “We want to highlight the illness and break the “poo taboo.” Most people with IBS have a sensitive gut and symptoms can be triggered by stress, as well as diet, mood, or lifestyle changes. It can lead to feelings of isolation and cause major problems in people’s working and personal lives.”

“However, given the right support and guidance, people can help relieve their symptoms through self management although this is not a quick and simple process.” 

by Hannah Gardiner