Foods That Trigger Fructose Intolerance

Fructose is a type of sugar naturally found in fruit, fruit juices and honey. It is also found in high fructose corn syrup and granulated fructose, two sweeteners commonly used in commercially prepared foods. Fructose intolerance, alternately referred to as fructose malabsorption, occurs when the small intestine is unable to absorb the amount of fructose consumed. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, constipation and lethargy. According to the American Dietetic Association, limiting the intake of foods that aggravate the condition helps relieve these symptoms.

Fruits and Fruit Juices

The American Dietetic Association recommends limiting natural sources of fructose to one serving per meal or snack to help avoid symptoms of fructose intolerance. One serving of fruit is one medium-sized whole or 1/2 cup cut up. A fruit juice serving should not exceed 1/3 cup. Fruits and fruit juices containing high amounts of fructose include prunes, cherries, apples, plums, applesauce, apple juice, apple cider, pears, pear juice, grapes, dates, honeydew melon, mango, papaya and watermelon. Individuals experiencing fructose intolerance may wish to limit these fruits and fruit juices and instead opt for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, citrus fruits, banana, kiwi, pineapple or rhubarb, as they may be better tolerated.

Commercially Prepared Foods

High fructose corn syrup and granulated fructose are sweeteners that are commonly used in commercially prepared desserts, baked goods, ice cream, sherbets and sorbets. These ingredients may also be found in condiments such as ketchup, salad dressings and barbecue sauce and in sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, sweet teas and coffees, milk beverages and sports drinks. According to the Mayo Clinic, sufferers of fructose intolerance should avoid foods with high fructose corn syrup and other fructose-containing sweeteners because they may exacerbate symptoms. Commercially prepared desserts, baked goods, condiments and beverages sweetened with sucrose and without added fruit or fruit juice concentrate tend to be better tolerated.

Other Foods to Limit

Individuals with fructose intolerance may also find improvement in symptoms by avoiding foods containing sorbitol. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in pears, pear juice, prunes and cherries. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many "diet" foods. When sorbitol is digested, it converts to fructose, so individuals suffering from fructose intolerance should avoid sorbitol-containing foods. Foods sweetened with aspartame or stevia may be better tolerated. Wheat products such as bread, crackers, pasta and cereal worsen abdominal discomfort in some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended that products made from other grains such as corn, barley, buckwheat, rice, rye and oats are consumed instead.

References

• American Dietetic Association: Dietary Fructose Intolerance Nutrition Therapy
• RD411: Fructose Malabsorption
• Mayo Clinic: Fructose Intolerance:Which Foods Should I Avoid?