The MRI study provides some of the first clear evidence of how fermentable carbohydrates can distend the colon. It also provides a mechanistic basis for the clinical observation that reducing such carbohydrates in the diet can reduce feelings of bloating and discomfort.

The researchers say people who report symptoms relating to fermentable carbohydrate may be accurately assigning the cause of their problems. The same patients may also have visceral hypersensitivity so a dual treatment with dietary modification and pharmacotherapy could help.


The research team stresses that this study does not take into account the role of the microbiota of the individual or the potential nocebo (negative expectation) effect of drinking a challenge drink. It may be that certain microbiomes induce more gas production however the study also concludes that prospect of linking microbiome signatures to dietary sensitivity holds real promise for personalised care of patients.


The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with a “distinct” approach to internationalisation, which rests on those full-scale campuses in China and Malaysia, as well as a large presence in its home city.’ (Times Good University Guide 2016). It is also one of the most popular universities in the UK among graduate employers and the winner of ‘Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2015. More than 97% of research at The University of Nottingham is recognised internationally and it is 8th in the UK by research power according to the Research Excellence Framework 2014. It has been voted the world’s greenest campus for four years running, according to Greenmetrics Ranking of World Universities.

Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…

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