FODMAP dietary restrictions in the management of children with functional abdominal pain disorders: A systematic review

Abstract Background Evidence for the management of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to update evidence on the efficacy and safety of implementing low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) dietary restrictions for the management of children with FAPD. Methods The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases were searched up to October 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of a low‐FODMAP diet with any comparator in children aged 3–18 years with FAPD. The primary outcome was abdominal pain intensity. Key Results Five RCTs assessing the effects of a low‐FODMAP diet were included. An effect of a low‐FODMAP diet on abdominal pain intensity was only found in two trials. In one trial, there was a decrease in abdominal pain intensity on a 0–10 point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) between low‐FODMAP and gastrointestinal protective diet groups after 2 months (mean difference, MD 1.77, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.23 to 2.31, n = 60). In another trial, there was a difference in abdominal pain intensity during the 3‐day intervention between the low‐FODMAP and typical Singaporean diet groups (MD −1.36 cm, 95% CI −2.38 to −0.34, n = 10) measured using a 0–10 cm VAS. Conclusions & Interferences There is insufficient evidence for or against the efficacy and safety of using a low‐FODMAP diet for the management of children with FAPD.