Fructose intolerance: causes, symptoms and diagnosis
Fructose intolerance, also known as fructose malabsorption, is a disorder in which the body has difficulty processing fructose effectively. Fructose is a natural sugar found in many types of fruit, honey and some vegetables. This intolerance can lead to various unpleasant symptoms, ranging from abdominal pain and bloating to diarrhea.
What are the causes of fructose intolerance?
The main cause of fructose intolerance is a lack of enzymes, particularly glucose transporter proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes are crucial for the absorption of fructose. A defect or deficiency in these enzymes leads to inadequate processing of fructose in the digestive tract.
What are the symptoms of fructose intolerance?
Typical symptoms of fructose intolerance are abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and in some cases nausea. These symptoms often occur after eating foods containing fructose. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person.
How can fructose intolerance be diagnosed?
Diagnosis at Vivomed is based on a thorough medical history and various diagnostic tests. An H2 breath test or an elimination diet can help identify fructose intolerance and determine its severity.
What is the management and treatment of fructose intolerance?
Treatment focuses on reducing or avoiding fructose-containing foods. Our patients receive dietary recommendations and nutritional counseling to control their symptoms and improve their knowledge of trigger foods. In some cases, an additional intake of glucose can help to improve fructose absorption.
Fructose-containing foods: What patients should know!
Fructose-containing foods can cause unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea for people with fructose intolerance. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the following fructose-containing foods and monitor their intake:
- Fruit
- apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Dried fruit
- Raisins
- Dates
- Apricots
- Fruit juices and concentrates
- Apple juice
- Grape juice
- Pear juice
- Sweeteners
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- High fructose corn syrup
- Vegetables
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ready-made products and processed foods
- Ready-made sauces with added fructose
- Confectionery and baked goods with added fructose
- Soft drinks and sweetened beverages
- Soft drinks
- Fruit juice drinks
It is important to emphasize that individual tolerance to foods containing fructose varies. Some people can tolerate small amounts, while others require strict restriction. Working with a doctor at Vivomed or other dietitians is crucial to develop a customized dietary strategy.
Consciously choosing low-fructose alternatives and paying attention to labels on processed foods can help minimize symptoms and ensure a balanced diet. A personalized diet plan is key for people with fructose intolerance to improve their quality of life.
Fructose intolerance summary:
Fructose intolerance is an often overlooked cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. A sound understanding of the causes, symptoms and diagnostic options enables Vivomed to develop effective treatment plans and improve the quality of life of our patients.
Here you will find detailed dietary recommendations for fructose intolerance.
Dietary recommendations for fructose intolerance
Author: Dr. med. Stefan Schlosser - Vivomed - Gastroenterology, Bern
Introduction
Around one in ten people experience symptoms such as flatulence, cramps and diarrhea after eating foods containing fructose. If fructose intolerance is diagnosed, a one- to four-week period of abstinence is usually prescribed, during which fructose should be avoided completely if possible. This guide shows step by step how a low-fructose diet can be designed and provides practical tips, examples and a clear presentation of suitable foods. If symptoms improve, low-fructose foods can be reintegrated into the diet. Those affected should permanently avoid fruit juices, dried fruit and sweets sweetened with fructose or sorbitol.
1. Basics of fructose intolerance
Fructose, also known as fruit sugar, is found in fruit, vegetables, sweets and drinks. In the case of fructose intolerance, the sugar is insufficiently absorbed in the small intestine, which leads to fermentation in the large intestine.
- Symptoms: Flatulence, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, concentration problems.
- Frequent sources of error: Fruit juices, hidden fructose in ready-made products, sorbitol in sugar-free sweets.
2. Diet in three phases
Phase 1: Elimination phase or grace period
In the elimination phase, the consumption of fructose should be reduced to 1 to 2 grams per day. This allows the intestines to recover.
Aim: To alleviate symptoms by avoiding foods containing fructose.