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Fructose intolerance

Fructose is a type of sugar found in many types of fruit and vegetables and is the technical term for fruit sugar. In people with fructose intolerance, the body cannot digest fructose properly.

How you can recognize whether you suffer from such an intolerance, what the causes are and further information on the subject of fructose intolerance can be found in this article.

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What is fructose intolerance?

Fructose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to digest fructose properly. If someone with fructose intolerance eats foods containing fructose, this can lead to abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. In extreme cases, it can even lead to malnutrition because nutrients cannot be absorbed.

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 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 moves on to the large intestine, where bacteria are present in large numbers. The bacteria consume the fructose and produce large amounts of gas such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Symptoms of fructose intolerance include those already listed above as well as 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 a fructose intolerance?

To diagnose fructose intolerance, your doctor may recommend a breath test or blood test. If you suspect you have this condition, it is 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 to help control their symptoms and improve their overall health.

You can find more interesting information on the subject of intolerances on the website of Greenfood.

Where does the disease of fructose intolerance come from?

Fructose intolerance is a condition that can either be congenital or can occur in 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 the rest of their lives. In contrast, the form of fructose intolerance that occurs later in life is much more common and has other 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 containing fructose, it is important to read food labels carefully and look out for hidden sources of fructose such as high-fructose corn syrup or agave nectar.

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Eating out can also be difficult due to 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 disturbed. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Hereditary fructose intolerance is much rarer 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, where the body cannot break down sorbitol, a sugar alcohol found in some fruits and vegetables, into glucose. Symptoms can 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 an exchange sugar 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 manufactured foods, tooth-friendly sweets and diet and light products.

For people with fructose intolerance, it is important to read food labels carefully and avoid all 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 symptoms of any kind after consuming a product containing sorbitol, you should speak to your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

With Probatix it is now very easy to have your own possible fructose intolerance tested. Simply go to Probatix Health and make an appointment!

Probatix works as simply as this

1. select test

Choose a suitable health test from our wide range and book it in just a few clicks via our website.

2. select sampling

Find a partner in your area or choose a home test kit to easily draw blood from your finger.

3. result received

Your result will automatically appear in your personal health portal. Including explanations and time histories.

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