Cream Intolerance

Symptoms

Possible symptoms of cream intolerance include:

  • Nausea
  • Flatulence, bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea

The disorders occur within hours after eating cream (cream). Some people react only to cream that has been heated or cooked.

Causes

One possible cause of cream intolerance is lactose intolerance. Cream contains about 3% lactose (milk sugar). It enters the intestine undigested in lactose intolerance, is fermented by bacteria, and triggers the symptoms. However, there are also people without lactose intolerance who cannot tolerate cream. One possible reason is the high fat content of cream of over 30%. Those who do not sufficiently digest fats, for example, due to insufficient activity of the exocrine pancreas or bile, may develop digestive disorders. In this case, however, other fatty foods are also not tolerated. Another possible reason is the thickening agent carrageenan (E 407), which is contained in practically all cream as an additive and stabilizer. Carrageenan is a carbohydrate and polysaccharide. It is known that carbohydrates in foods can cause discomfort in food intolerance to vegetables and seeds, for example, the various types of cabbage, beans, onions, beet and legumes. That carrageenan can trigger digestive disorders such as diarrhea has been confirmed in many studies. It is true that carrageenan is a polysaccharide with a high molecular mass. However, the oligosaccharides that may be responsible can be present in carrageenan and it has been shown that a small proportion can be hydrolyzed in the stomach. Fermentation of carrageenan in the intestine cannot be ruled out. Heating of the cream may contribute to the degradation of carrageenan. Furthermore, experiments suggest that carrageenan may cause adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract and may be pro-inflammatory. However, the issue is controversial. Authorities rate carrageenan as safe.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made from the patient’s history, with a food diary, with the help of a provocation test and an H2 breath test.

Nonpharmacologic treatment

  • Use cream without carrageenan (e.g., organic products). They are available in grocery stores.
  • If you are lactose intolerant, use cream without lactose (may contain carrageenan).
  • Avoid cream and corresponding dishes.
  • Consume as small quantities as possible.

Drug treatment

Enzymes are available that can break down the triggering components:

Acute symptoms can be treated symptomatically, so for example with loperamide against diarrhea, with scopolamine butyl bromide against cramps or simeticon against flatulence (see there). Probiotics may possibly have a positive effect. Herbal medicines and bitter remedies may stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and contribute to better digestion.