Cause of intestinal fructose intolerance:
The cause lies in a disorder of an enzyme, GLUT-5. The function of this enzyme is to transport fructose molecules from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. In some cases, this food intolerance is hereditary. However, how acquired fructose malabsorption occurs is still completely unclear. About 30% of the population (!) suffers from fructose intolerance with very different manifestations.
The symptoms:
The symptoms that occur with fructose intolerance are comparable to those of lactose intolerance:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness after eating
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Frequent urination and bowel movements
Additionally,
- Inflammatory skin reactions
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Irritability
are often observed in connection with a deficiency of zinc and folic acid.
Therapy:
At the beginning of therapy, the goal is initially to reduce the intake of fructose as much as possible. The consumption of so-called sugar substitutes like sorbitol or mannitol should also be restricted, as these substances block the GLUT-5 transport system and lead to an exacerbation of fructose malabsorption. Sorbitol is also found in natural form in the following fruits:
- Apricots
- Peaches
- Plums
These should also be avoided. A diet plan should be developed and followed by a specially trained doctor or a professional nutritionist for a duration of 2-4 weeks. If the symptoms do not significantly improve during this period, further examinations are necessary to determine whether there are possibly additional food intolerances. Hereditary fructose intolerance occurs much less frequently. In that case, fructose must be completely avoided.
What can I eat with fructose intolerance?
- Potatoes
- Cereal products
- Dairy products
- Cooked mushrooms
- Cucumbers
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes (tomato must be tested in moderation according to personal tolerance)
- Carrots
- Alternatively: fructose-poor foods at zukono
In small amounts:
Fruit varieties…
- Papayas
- Lychees
- Rhubarb
With fructose intolerance, the following can also be eaten without restriction:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
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