Fructose is problematic for those suffering from Dietary Fructose Intolerance becasue it is absorbed poorly and so goes straight to the large intestine where it's broken down by bacteria in the colon, and creates large amounts of intestinal methane and hydrogen gas.

In addition to intestinal discomfort, the long-term consequences of DFI can include an increased risk for nutritional deficiencies — such as low levels of folic acid, zinc, and the amino acid L-tryptophan. Activities of the antioxidants vitamins C, E, and glutathione have also been found to be lower in those with DFI.

If you have DFI, avoid the following foods because of their high fructose-to-glucose ratios: apples, pears, mangoes, pineapples, peaches, oranges (including mandarin oranges), honeydew melons, watermelon, lychees and grapes. Dried fruits, including raisins and figs, can also aggravate the condition.

Avoid exposure to fruit juices, coconut milk, honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and alcohol sugars including sorbitol (which is found in sugar-free cough drops and gums, diet drinks, and some medications), xylitol and mannitol.

Other foods that can aggravate the condition include artichokes, asparagus, leeks, onions and wheat. Supplements containing inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (often found in probiotic formulas) should be avoided as well.

Click here for more articles

First Published in 2009

Top of page