IBS Management: The Low FODMAP Diet (FutureLearn)

You should be a health professional practicing or student studying one of the following disciplines: Dietetics, Nutrition, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Naturopathy.
To be eligible to undertake this course, you must also have a GI Institute Membership.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects approximately one in seven people around the world, and health professionals have an important role in helping patients deal with this distressing condition.
This ten-week course from the GI Institute will equip you with everything you need to offer that support.

Delve into IBS diagnosis and the low FODMAP diet
The course starts with a comprehensive introduction to IBS including its pathophysiology and symptoms. You’ll learn how the Rome IV criteria and other tests are used in IBS diagnosis, how a positive IBS diagnosis is made in clinical practice, what FODMAP means, and why the low FODMAP diet is so widely recommended.
Our global expert presenters, encompassing both Gastroenterologist Dr William Chey and Registered Dietitians, will explore the nuances of IBS and the low FODMAP diet.

Study with the GI Institute’s world-renowned experts
GI Institute provides high-quality training on digestive health and diseases to health professionals around the world. With the support of the University of Michigan and the expertise of the GI Institute’s esteemed Advisory Panel, this course delivers truly exceptional education.

What topics will you cover?
Over this invaluable course, you’ll cover the following subjects:

• An overview of IBS, dietary management of IBS, low FODMAP diet fundamentals and FODMAPs in food
• Assessment of indications and contraindications for the low FODMAP diet
• Implementation of Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 of the low FODMAP diet
• Use of probiotics and prebiotics in IBS
• Nutrient deficiency risks for people following the low FODMAP diet
• Using the low FODMAP diet to treat other conditions (besides IBS)

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Apply advanced knowledge and practical skills to the management of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), through dietary interventions including the low FODMAP diet.
• Assess suitability for implementation of the low FODMAP diet in different patient groups.
• Describe FODMAPs and the mechanisms of action in which they influence digestion and symptom onset.
• Improve understanding of how to implement and provide education on all 3 phases of the low FODMAP diet with patients.
• Describe how to troubleshoot the low FODMAP diet in patients who do not experience symptom improvement.
• Identify main food sources of FODMAPs and understand how FODMAP content is measured.
• Demonstrate understanding of the prevalence, pathophysiology and diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Discuss the importance of meeting nutritional needs whilst following a low FODMAP diet.
• Explore the use of the low FODMAP diet in other conditions, including PCOS, inflammatory bowel disease and colic in babies.
• Assess and solidify understanding of course content through 4 patient case studies.

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for all health professionals and students interested in helping patients to deal with IBS. Doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dieticians, psychologists, and nurses are among those who will find it beneficial.