Fructose malabsorption causes gastrointestinal distress when fructose is not absorbed by the body, leading to an increase in bacteria and yeast in the gut. It is often misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance. A hydrogen breath test is used for accurate diagnosis and dietary changes can manage symptoms. Safe fruits include peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, lemons, limes, bananas, and pineapples.
Fructose malabsorption is the medical term for the inability to absorb fructose or fruit sugar. The condition was previously known as food intolerance to fructose and causes similar symptoms to lactose intolerance. Individuals with the disorder typically experience gastrointestinal distress when fructose is passed through the intestines instead of being absorbed by the body.
In most people, 25 to 50 grams (0.88 to 1.76 ounces) of fructose is absorbed from the small intestine in one sitting. Individuals with fructose malabsorption can absorb much less than this, which leads to fermentation and an increase in bacteria and yeast in the gut. The most common symptoms of fructose malabsorption include gas and bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea. In severe cases, hypoglycemia or fatty liver may occur.
The condition is often misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance because the symptoms are so similar. A hydrogen breath test is usually employed for accurate clinical diagnosis and stool samples may also be taken. Breath testing is a non-invasive procedure often used to diagnose patients with food intolerances.
During a hydrogen breath test for fructose malabsorption, the patient breathes into a tube and the doctor takes a baseline reading of the hydrogen in the breath. The patient is then instructed to consume a small amount of fructose and repeat the test in 15-60 minute increments for up to three hours. Doctors use the readings from each test to decide if a patient has the condition. In most cases, if the reading is 20 parts per million (ppm) above the lowest reading, the patient will be diagnosed with fructose malabsorption. Excess hydrogen in the breath is caused by an overgrowth of intestinal bacteria, which is caused by fructose which cannot be absorbed by the body.
Fructose malabsorption cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed by dietary changes. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder should avoid foods that contain high amounts of fructose such as apples, pears, fruit juices, high fructose corn syrup, coconut, honey, watermelon and raisins. Also avoid soda, dried and canned fruit, sweet wine and products sweetened with sugar alcohols such as sorbitol or xylitol.
Although many fruits are off-limits to those with this condition, there are many foods that are safe for fructose malabsorption, including fruits such as peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, lemons, limes, bananas, and pineapples. . However, every individual will be different and some patients may not be able to tolerate the same foods as others. You can keep a food diary to track which foods cause symptoms and in what quantities. Foods that trigger the discomfort can then be avoided.
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