Observational Study on Knowledge and Eating Habits with Respect to Low- and High-FODMAP Foods in Medical Checkup Populations in Japan

Background: There has been an increasing interest in low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diets for irritable bowel syndrome. The aims of the present study were (1) to survey knowledge and eating habits with respect to low- and high-FODMAP foods in a general population, and (2) to analyze the relationship between lower gastrointestinal problems (LGIP, pain and irregular stool habits) and habits/foods for prevention. Methods: The present study was carried out with medical examinees (n = 1024) at a clinic in Japan using self-administrated questionnaires. The subjects were asked whether they knew each FODMAP food, eating habit, and cooking habit. Chi-squared tests were used for analyzing the characteristics of LGIP-related factors. Logistic regression models were utilized to select foods which predict LGIP. Results: Women cooking by themselves and who were younger indicated less LGIP (Chai-square for trend). More than 60% reported that they often ate rice, coffee, eggs, pork, chicken, breads, noodles, and onions, which are solely classified as high-FODMAP foods. LGIP was related to age and self-cooking habits in women. Soybeans had the least significant relationship with LGIP (odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32–0.73), followed by seaweed, shellfish, wheat, cow’s milk, green beans, and cauliflower. In contrast, artificial sweeteners were most significantly related with LGIP (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16–2.03), followed by margarine and tomato paste. Conclusions: The associations between FODMAP foods and LGPI appeared to be different from the Western results. Furthermore, some diets related to LGIP are suggested.