Carbohydrate is the nutrient that provides most of the calories on a standard American diet. This nutrient is found in starches, such as grains and starchy vegetables, and sugar, which include the sugar of fruit, fructose, the sugar of milk, lactose and table sugar, sucrose. Although uncommon, some people may have difficulty absorbing some carbohydrates properly. The symptoms of malabsorbed carbohydrates include bloating, abdominal discomfort and pain, diarrhea or constipation and flatulence. A hydrogen breath test is the best way to diagnose a carbohydrate malabsorption, which can be treated by following a medically directed diet that restricts your consumption of the offending carbohydrates.
Fructose Malabsorption
Fructose malabsorption is one type of carbohydrate malabsorption and can be diagnosed with a fructose hydrogen breath test. If you have problem absorbing fructose properly, you will need to avoid consuming foods that contain more fructose than glucose or that contain too much fructose per serving. Individual tolerance can vary but foods like apples, pears, watermelon, fruit juices, dried fruits, large servings of any fruits, honey and high-fructose corn syrup are problematic for most fructose malabsorbers. On the other hand, small servings of orange, blueberry, strawberry, kiwifruit, banana, sugar and maple syrup are usually well-tolerated. Fructose malabsorption shouldn't be confused with hereditary fructose intolerance, a rare and serious genetic condition that warrants following your doctor's advise.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a form of carbohydrate malasorption and can be diagnosed with a lactose hydrogen breath test. By lacking the enzymes required to properly absorb lactose, this sugar is then fermented in the gastrointestinal tract where it causes a lot of unpleasant side effects. If you have trouble tolerating and absorbing lactose, avoid high-lactose foods, such as milk, ice cream, soft and fresh cheeses as well as yogurts. Other dairy products like cream, butter and hard cheeses are usually well-tolerated. Lactose-free dairy and soy milk could be other alternatives if you are lactose intolerant.
Fructans and Galactans Malabsorption
Fructans, a chain of fructose, and galactans, a chain of galactose, are two types of oligosaccharides found in many of the foods commonly consumed in the standard American diet. If you have problems absorbing some types of carbohydrates, it is probable that fructans and galactans, two fermentable carbohydrates, could induce malabsorption symptoms for you. To avoid fructans, replace onions, leeks, garlic, cabbage and wheat with green beans, zucchini, red bell pepper, bok choy and wheat-free grains. Galactans are present in beans, lentils and soy-based products.
Polyols Malabsorption
Polyols constitute another carbohydrate that is often poorly absorbed, inducing the same malabsorption symptoms in many people. A sorbitol hydrogen breath test can be made if you want to have a proper diagnosis. Sorbitol is one of the most common polyol and is found in cherries, watermelon, mushrooms and avocado. Sugar-alcohol, including sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol and xylitol, also belong to the same family and should be avoided if you suffer from polyol or sorbitol malabsorption.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Fructose Intolerance
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Fructose Malabsorption and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Guidelines for Effective Dietary Management; Susan J. Shepherd and Peter R. Gibson; 2006
- "Practical Gastroenterology"; Clinical Ramifications of Malabsorption of Fructose and Other Short-chain Carbohydrates; Jacqueline S. Barrett and Peter R. Gibson; August 2007
- Shepherd Works: Hydrogen Breath Testing
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