Harnessing our knowledge of carbohydrates to benefit gut conditions

There is clear evidence for the role of dietary intervention in functional gastrointestinal disorders. In particular, the clinical efficacy of the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has received significant clinical and research interest. This involves the restriction of certain fermentable carbohydrates that have been demonstrated to increase small intestinal water and colonic gas volume, and have been shown to induce gastrointestinal symptoms. However, questions still exist regarding the low FODMAP diet. One important unanswered question is the relevance and importance of the diet-induced alteration of the microbiome. This presentation will review the recent evidence relating to the low FODMAP diet, examine the potential consequences of the diet, such as on the microbiome, and discuss potential solutions for attenuating these effects.

Dr Heidi Staudacher

Heidi is a dietitian and postdoctoral researcher at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Her chief area of interest is in the pathophysiology and dietary management of functional gastrointestinal disorders, and the interaction of diet with the microbiome in these disorders. Heidi was a NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellowship at King’s College London between 2012-2016 and during her PhD conducted a large randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of a low FODMAP diet with probiotic co-administration on the gastrointestinal microbiota, symptoms, dietary intake and quality of life. She has published a number of key papers in the field.

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AIFST Seminar -
Gut microbiota: The impact of diet on gut microbiota and health