What is fructose intolerance?
Fructose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to digest fructose properly. When someone with fructose intolerance eats foods that contain fructose, it can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, malnutrition can even occur due to an inability to absorb nutrients.
In addition to these symptoms, people with fructose intolerance may also experience abdominal pain or cramps due to increased pressure in the intestines caused by the gas produced by the fructose-consuming bacteria.
What is the cause?
The underlying cause of fructose intolerance is often unknown, but may be due to an acquired disorder or a disturbed intestinal flora. This disorder can lead to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and prevent the proper absorption of fructose.
This means that when fructose enters the small intestine, it is not absorbed as quickly as glucose. As a result, the fructose travels further into the large intestine, where bacteria are present in large numbers. The bacteria consume the fructose, producing large amounts of gas such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
In addition to those listed above, the symptoms of fructose intolerance also include nausea and vomiting after eating foods containing fructose. Hidden sources of fructose such as high fructose corn syrup are often found in processed foods and should be avoided by those affected.
How do I find out if I have fructose intolerance?
To diagnose fructose intolerance, your doctor may recommend a breath test or a blood test. If you suspect you have this condition, it's important to talk to your doctor about dietary changes that can help control symptoms.
If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to malabsorption of other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, which can have serious long-term health consequences. Therefore, it is important that sufferers see a doctor to receive treatment that will help control their symptoms and improve their overall health.
You can find further interesting information on the topic of intolerances on the Greenfood website .
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Where does the disease fructose intolerance come from?
Fructose intolerance is a condition that can either be congenital or that can develop over the course of life. The congenital form of fructose intolerance is rare, but can cause dangerous hypoglycemia and serious health problems such as fatty liver disease.
Those affected must therefore follow a fructose-free diet for their entire lives. In contrast, the form of fructose intolerance that occurs over the course of life is much more common and has different causes. It is caused by a disturbed fructose transport system in the intestinal wall, which can be caused by an inflamed intestinal mucosa.
Those affected must follow a strict fructose-free diet to avoid further health complications. In addition to avoiding foods that contain fructose, it is important to read food labels carefully and watch for hidden sources of fructose, such as high-fructose corn syrup or agave nectar.
Eating out can also be difficult because of the risk of cross-contamination from other fructose-containing ingredients. With careful monitoring and adherence to a strict diet, people with acquired fructose intolerance can still lead a healthy lifestyle.
The different types of fructose intolerance
There are two main forms of fructose intolerance: intestinal fructose intolerance (also known as fructose malabsorption) and hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). Intestinal fructose intolerance is the most common form of the disease. It occurs when the transport system for fructose in the small intestine is impaired. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Hereditary fructose intolerance is much less common than intestinal fructose intolerance and affects people from birth. It is caused by an enzyme deficiency that prevents the body from breaking down fructose into simpler sugars. Symptoms can include jaundice, low blood sugar, vomiting, fatigue and liver damage.
Another form of fructose intolerance is sorbitol intolerance, in which the body cannot break down sorbitol, a sugar alcohol found in some fruits and vegetables, into glucose. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Fructose intolerance and sorbitol
People with fructose intolerance also need to watch their sorbitol consumption. Sorbitol is a sugar replacement that can worsen the symptoms of fructose intolerance because it blocks the absorption of fructose through the intestinal wall. This additive (E420) is commonly used in a range of products, including industrially produced foods, tooth-friendly sweets, and diet and light products.
It is important for people with fructose intolerance to read food labels carefully and avoid any products that contain sorbitol. If you are unsure about a product, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly for more information. If you experience any symptoms after consuming a product containing sorbitol, it is important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
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