Fructose is found naturally in fruit and honey and is added as a sweetener to some products. Your child may experience one of two types of fructose intolerance, and both require him to avoid sources of fructose.
Warning
If your child has a hereditary fructose intolerance, her inability to digest fructose can cause dangerous substances to build up in her liver. Her prognosis depends on how early the intolerance is detected and how soon fructose can be removed from her diet. If you notice that she has any symptoms of fructose intolerance, be sure to talk to her doctor.
Types
Hereditary fructose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder. MedlinePlus states that it exists when your child's body lacks an enzyme called aldolase B that is necessary to break down fructose. Hereditary fructose intolerance is serious and can lead to liver and kidney damage. Fructose malabsorption is a less serious type of fructose intolerance that does not lead to permanent damage. It does, however, cause your child to have a difficult time digesting fructose.
Symptoms
Symptoms of fructose malabsorption include abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. It is possible to notice these symptoms as early as after your baby starts to eat formula or solid foods. Symptoms of hereditary fructose intolerance are more serious and include convulsions, fatigue, jaundice and vomiting.
Testing
If you suspect that your child has a fructose intolerance, her doctor will perform tests in order to confirm the problem. He may use a fructose breath test to test for fructose malabsorption, which makes testing a small child quick. A blood sugar test can also be used to detect fructose intolerance.
Foods to Avoid
If your child has a fructose intolerance, it is important that he avoids anything containing fructose such as high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, powdered sugar, fruit, honey, soda, flavored water, sports drinks, chocolate and sweetened milk. According to MayoClinic.com, he also needs to avoid anything containing sorbitol, a sugar alcohol converted to fructose in digestion. Be sure to ask his doctor about a full list of foods and drinks your child needs to avoid.
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