A typical diet contains lots of fructose. Fruits, honey and some syrups have large amounts of it. Also, table sugar, or sucrose, contains fructose. And fructose is a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages. Most people have no problem digesting fructose, so it's not considered to be a substance that is poisonous or toxic. But if you think you might have a problem digesting fructose, contact your doctor to determine whether you should eliminate fructose from your diet.
Fructose Intolerance
Some people have hereditary fructose intolerance. They don't have an enzyme necessary for breaking down fructose, so if they eat foods containing fructose, a complicated chemical reaction takes place. The result is that their bodies can't convert glycogen into glucose, causing their blood sugar level to fall and a dangerous buildup of substances in the liver, according to Medline Plus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of fructose intolerance can appear soon after birth and include excessive sleepiness, convulsions, jaundice, irritability, poor feeding habits and vomiting. Some foods in particular will cause negative reactions. Fruits contain much fructose, so these and other products that contain large amounts of fructose or sucrose can cause negative reactions.
Treatment
For most people with fructose intolerance, an effective treatment is to avoid foods that cause problems. Foods you should avoid include anything containing fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, powdered sugar, honey, fruits, fruit juices, regular sodas, flavored water, sports drinks, sweetened milk and sweetened milk beverages, according to MayoClinic.com. Also avoid products that contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol. Although sorbitol does not contain fructose, it interferes with fructose during digestion and can worsen the problem, according to MayoClinic.com.
Fructose Malabsorption
It's also possible to have a less severe reaction to fructose. People who have fructose malabsorption can't digest fructose effectively, but they don't experience the severe symptoms that accompany fructose intolerance. Symptoms of fructose malabsorption include gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
