Fructose is a sugar that is naturally found in fruits, vegetables and honey. If you experience gas, bloating or diarrhea, after eating foods that contain fructose, you may have an intolerance. According to the Department of Food and Nutrition Services, fructose intolerance is an under-recognized condition. A fructose-restricted diet can help alleviate your symptoms.
Identification
There are many foods, both whole and processed, that contain fructose. Among the foods that may contain fructose are yogurt, sauces, cereals, processed snack goods, chocolate milk, soda, carrots, corn, onions and most fruits. Although a fructose restricted diet is designed to help control the symptoms of fructose intolerance, it is necessary to follow the diet strictly to see the best results.
Expert Insight
Hereditary fructose intolerance is an uncommon genetic disorder. People with this type of disorder lack an enzyme that breaks down fructose. Symptoms include hypoglycemia, acidosis, enlarged liver and mental retardation. Dietary fructose intolerance or malabsorption is a condition that causes you to have a hard time digesting fructose. Symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Effects
According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, following a fructose restricted diet has relieved symptoms for 80 percent of patients diagnosed with dietary fructose intolerance. A 2004 study by Fredrick Johlin, Mary Panther and Nancy Kraft showed patients that adhered to the diet had a 75 to 100 percent improvement in their symptoms.
Warning
While on the diet, you will not be able to eat some vegetables and most fruits, which could lead to vitamin deficiencies. Consult your health care provider about taking a multivitamin. Check the ingredients before purchasing a multivitamin, though, as many use sorbitol and fructose as fillers.
Expert Insight
While on a fructose restricted diet, you should carefully read labels. Many packaged products contain fructose, including some hot dogs, breads and yogurts. The Texas Childrens Hospital suggests you read all product labels avoiding any that list agave syrup, fructose, karo corn syrup, palm sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, sorbitol, caramel, honey, splenda, erythrytol, hydrogenated startch hydrolasate, isomalt, lactatol, lactito, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol.
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