Fructose Elimination Diet

A fructose elimination diet avoids all sources of fructose, the type of sugar found in fruits and honey. According to the Mayo Clinic, fructose-free diets also prohibit sorbitol and sucrose, since sorbitol is converted to fructose when digested and sucrose contains fructose. Although difficult to adhere to, a fructose-free diet is the recommended treatment for people with either type of fructose intolerance.

Fructose Intolerance

According to the Mayo Clinic, fructose intolerance can refer to two separate conditions: hereditary fructose intolerance or fructose malabsorption. Hereditary fructose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder in which patients lack the enzyme needed to break down fructose. Consuming fructose can cause these patients to develop liver and kidney damage. Fructose malabsorption, on the other hand, is a less serious condition in which people have trouble digesting fructose; consumption typically causes digestive symptoms like gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Seeing Your Doctor

You should see your doctor if you suspect that you or your child has a problem with fructose. According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of hereditary fructose intolerance usually appear when a child begins drinking infant formula or eating foods other than breast milk. Symptoms may include problems after consuming fructose or sucrose as well as irritability, jaundice, vomiting and convulsions. Fructose malabsorption may be harder to spot since it can easily be mistaken for other food allergies or intolerances. Symptoms are usually limited to digestive problems like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and heartburn, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

Foods to Eliminate

If you are diagnosed with a form of fructose intolerance, your doctor will likely put you on a fructose-free diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, a fructose-free diet eliminates all foods containing fructose, sucrose, sorbitol, and honey. This means eliminating all fruits as well as foods with these added sugars like non-diet sodas, sports drinks and any foods containing high-fructose corn syrup. According to Boston University, vegetables may also be restricted; for instance, one sample diet used by patients prohibits all vegetables except for white potatoes, asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, green beans, green pepper, lettuce and spinach. Patients may vary in terms of what vegetables they tolerate. The Mayo Clinic recommends working with a dietitian to devise a safe and healthy diet plan.

Foods to Eat

There are still plenty of foods to eat on a fructose-free diet. According to Boston University, you can eat meats, fish, dairy products, eggs, grains and grain products, fats, allowed vegetables and no-calorie sweeteners other than sorbitol. Always be sure to read ingredient labels for sugar and fruit ingredients. While adhering to a fructose-free diet is difficult, following the diet will allow you to live a healthy, symptom-free life.

Low-Fructose Diet

If you have fructose malabsorption, not hereditary fructose intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of fructose without suffering symptoms. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends keeping a food diary to determine how much, if any, fructose you can eat without ill effects. You may also find that certain foods are more or less problematic than others.