A smart approach to managing IBS
A smartphone app that provides an on-the-go reference to help adults who suffer irritable bowel syndrome avoid the foods that trigger their symptoms, is now available for Android users.
Last year the FODMAP app was launched by the research team at the Department of Gastroenterology, for the first time using this technology to provide accurate information about foods that trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
One in seven adults suffers from IBS, a condition characterised by symptoms such as gastrointestinal wind, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Although more women than men are affected by IBS, the condition is common throughout the world.
The best way to alleviate IBS symptoms is to avoid foods containing a family of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) which are poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The concept of FODMAPs was developed through research at Monash, led by Professor Peter Gibson, Director of Gastroenterology at The Alfred hospital and Monash, and Dr Jane Muir, Head of Translational Nutrition Science.
“Our FODMAP data is evidence-based and peer-reviewed so health professionals and the general public can be confident in its reliability,” Dr Muir said.
“We want to ensure this information is accessible to as many people as possible and believe we can achieve this through the launch of the Android version.”
Since its launch, the FODMAP app has consistently ranked in the top five in the iTunes’ Health and Fitness section, and from June has held the number one position in the Medical category.
“More than 15,500 people worldwide have purchased the FODMAP app since its launch; just over half of these downloads are from Australia,” Dr Muir said.
The app is also proving to be very popular in the US, UK and Denmark.
“The app is providing accurate information to health professionals and IBS sufferers around the world,” Professor Gibson said.
“Proceeds from the sale of the application go towards funding further research.”
The app has received significant interest and positive feedback from around the world.
“Using digital technology such as a smartphone app to communicate scientific information helps us translate our research for health professionals and IBS sufferers around the world,” Dr Muir said.
“We can ensure new food lists and guides are available to users of the app through the free updates.
“Our research team is now testing and analysing foods from other countries, including the US, and this information will be added to the app at the end of the year."