Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2021 Nov;72(7):956-967. doi: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1880553.Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Samantha Cyrkot ¹, Margaret Marcon ², Herbert Brill ³, Heather Mileski ³, Jenna Dowhaniuk ³, Alena Frankish ¹, Matthew W Carroll ^4 5, Rabin Persad ^4 5, Justine M Turner ^4 5, Diana R Mager ^1 4

Author information

• ¹Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
• ²Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
• ³Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Canada.
• ⁴Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
• ⁵Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.

Abstract

Children with coeliac disease (CD) following the gluten-free diet may experience ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms despite strict adherence. The study objective was to evaluate the association between foods high in fermentable oligo/di/monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the potential implications to diet quality and health-related quality of life in CD children. Dietary intake was studied in age-sex matched children 5-18 years (CD, n = 46; non-coeliac mild chronic gastrointestinal complaints [GIC], n = 46; healthy controls [HC], n = 46). CD children consumed fewer foods high in FODMAPs compared to GIC and HC (p < .0001). FODMAP intake was not related to gastrointestinal symptoms in CD children (p > 0.05) but was positively associated with child health-related quality of life (p < 0.05). FODMAP intake from fruits and vegetables was positively associated with diet adequacy and total diet quality in CD children (p < 0.05). FODMAP intake may influence diet quality and health-related quality of life but has no impact on gastrointestinal symptoms in CD children.