Fructose Malabsoprtion – It is not All or Nothing

People who have difficultly digesting fructose (known as fructose malabsorption) will often experience gastrointestinal distress including bloating and abdominal pain.  A recent study examined whether dietary changes would reduce the GI symptoms.  The study enrolled 107 patients who were identified as having fructose malabsorption using the hydrogen breath test.  The important take home information from this study was that it is not necessary to completely eliminate fructose from your diet to get symptom relieve.  Patients can titrate their fructose intake to determine the point where symptoms occur.  Understanding your limits can allow you to avoid unnecessary food deprivation.

Ref: Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015 July

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25919770