Low FODMAP and Gluten-Free Diet Implementation: A Guide for the General Practitioner

The low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) and gluten-free diets are increasingly used as both therapeutic and diagnostic interventions for pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The low FODMAP diet is primarily indicated for children with irritable bowel syndrome or disorders of brain-gut interaction when symptoms persist. Implemented in 3 phases (elimination, reintroduction, and personalization), the diet helps identify individual triggers and improve symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain. In contrast, the gluten-free diet is the cornerstone treatment for celiac disease. Accurate diagnosis and monitoring are important, as both diets carry nutritional and psychosocial risks. Primary care clinicians are responsible for identifying appropriate patients, coordinating evaluations, and monitoring adherence, growth, and well-being to ensure safe and effective use of these dietary interventions. Multidisciplinary collaboration with registered dietitians is important for growth monitoring, nutritional optimization, and both physician and patient support.