Fructose malabsorption, a condition that causes gastrointestinal problems, does not affect liver function. Fructose intolerance, an inherited disorder, can cause liver disease. The terms fructose malabsorption and fructose intolerance are often used interchangeably even by medical professionals. If you have inherited fructose intolerance, symptoms show up during infancy. An early diagnosis may help you avoid serious liver problems.
Inherited Fructose Intolerance
If you have inherited fructose intolerance, your body lacks the protein to convert fructose into glucose, the simple form of sugar that supplies your body with energy. Without the protein – aldolase B – your blood glucose levels drop and toxins build up in your liver. If fructose intolerance is detected early, you may avoid serious problems, such as gout and kidney and liver disease. You will need to avoid all sources of fructose, including fruits and vegetables and processed foods that contain table sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Acquired Fructose Malabsorption
Fructose malabsorption presents symptoms similar to those caused by irritable bowel syndrome – diarrhea, bloating and gas. If you have IBS, you may also have fructose malabsorption. Fructose malabsorption means you can’t properly digest fructose. It stays too long in your intestines instead of getting shipped to your bloodstream to provide energy to your cells. You may comfortably tolerate low amounts of fructose, such as those in vegetables and low-fructose fruits such as cantaloupe. You may develop gastrointestinal distress if you consume fruits that contain moderate amounts of fructose, such as apples and pears, or processed foods and beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.
Foods to Avoid
Honey, fruit and vegetables provide natural sources of fructose. Table sugar, also known as granulated sugar, contains equal parts fructose and sucrose. If fructose puts you at risk for liver disease or stomach upset, avoid commercial baked goods, beverages and snacks that contain sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. If you have inherited fructose intolerance, you may need to avoid all sources of sucrose and fructose to prevent loss of liver function. If you have less serious fructose malabsorption, you may be able to eat vegetables and some fruits.
Considerations
If you have inherited fructose intolerance, you could pass the condition on to your children. If two parents have inherited fructose intolerance, each of their children has a 25 percent chance of being born with the condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Infants may develop symptoms such as vomiting, irritability, convulsions and jaundice. Not all children born with fructose intolerance develop serious liver problems.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
- "Circulation"; Triglycerides and Cardiovascular Disease A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association; Michael Miller, et al.; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Clinic: Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
- MayoClinic.com; Fructose Intolerance -- Which Foods Should I Avoid?; Katherine Zeratsky; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Fructose Intolerance -- Can it Cause IBS?; Michael Picco, M.D.; October 2010
