Fructoseis a sugar found in fruit, vegetables, and sweeteners.
While you may have heard of people needing to gogluten-freeor having alactose intolerance, some people have fructose intolerance.
This article will discuss the types of fructose intolerance, including causes and risk factors.
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Also learn symptoms, diagnosis, and how to manage this condition.
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What Is Fructose?
Fructose is one of the naturally occurring sugars.
Its found in fruit, some vegetables, and honey.
Fructose is a simple sugar, like glucose.
But unlike glucose, fructose isnt directly used as energy.
Most people can easily convert fructose to glucose without problems.
Types and Causes of Fructose Intolerance
There are two types of fructose intolerance.
Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
Hereditary fructose intolerance is brought on by a mutation in the aldolase B gene.
Its a rare condition estimated to affect somewhere between 1 out of every 18,000 to 30,000 people.
However, because some infant formulas contain fructose, symptoms could develop earlier.
Dietary Fructose Intolerance
Dietary fructose intolerance isnt sparked by a genetic mutation.
Researchers are still working to understand the exact causes of this condition.
The amount of fructose a person can tolerate will vary.
The types of tests used to diagnose a fructose intolerance depend on the pop in.
If an infant frequently experiences symptoms and aversions to fructose-containing foods, it may indicate this intolerance.
Genetic testing for abnormalities in the aldolase B gene is the best test to confirm hereditary fructose intolerance.
Diagnosing dietary fructose intolerance can be more challenging because the symptoms are similar to other conditions and food intolerances.
The best test for diagnosing fructose malabsorption is a breath test.
One case study reported a woman developed symptoms after consuming one sip of a sweetened beverage.
People with dietary fructose intolerance should follow a low-fructose diet.
The exact amount of fructose they can consume without developing symptoms will vary.
Its best to venture to avoid any high-fructose foods and add in foods low in fructose.
Usually, the symptoms of fructose intolerance can be well managed by eating habits.
Foods to Avoid
Its recommended to avoid foods high in fructose.
These include the following.
Summary
Fructose intolerance is a condition where the body cant properly digest and metabolize fructose.
It can be brought on by a genetic mutation or develop for other reasons.
Hereditary fructose intolerance is usually diagnosed with a genetic test to assess the aldolase B gene.
Dietary fructose intolerance is generally diagnosed with a breath test after ingesting fructose.
There is no cure for hereditary fructose intolerance, but the symptoms can be managed by avoiding fructose-containing foods.
A few low fructose fruits include cranberries, lime, kiwi, strawberries, bananas, and mandarin oranges.
Normally, fructose is metabolized within six hours after its consumed.
However, it could stay in your system for a few days or weeks if you have fructose intolerance.
