Therapeutic Effect of the Low FODMAP Diet in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Low FODMAP Diet in the Treatment of Functional Abdominal Pain in Children

Diet components are important factors in pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially in the irritable bowel syndrome. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) are a group of short chain, poorly absorbed and osmotically active carbohydrates, which can induce gastrointestinal symptoms because of rapid fermentation in different segments of the gut. Low FODMAP diet is a novel treatment option with proven efficacy in reducing symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adults. Conversely, although functional abdominal pain is a common health problem in children, the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet remains understudied in this population.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two diets: a low FODMAP diet and a diet based on standard dietary advice of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), on abdominal symptoms in children with functional abdominal pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• functional abdominal pain according to Rome III criteria
• consent to participate in the study
• positive decision of gastroenterologist concerning enrolment of the patient to the trial

Exclusion Criteria:

• organic causes for gastrointestinal tract disorders,
• occurrence of an abdominal migraine, IBS, food allergies or intolerances, other significant disorders, acute infection
• antibiotic treatment within the last 8 weeks