Fructose intolerance
Fructose intolerance can be congenital (hereditary fructose intolerance) or acquired in the course of life. Both types are based on different causes. In congenital fructose intolerance, the fructose can be absorbed normally from the intestines, but it cannot be broken down by the liver.
This leads to an accumulation of fructose in the blood, which reduces the amount of glucose in the blood. However, since glucose is used by all the cells of the body to produce energy, this situation can lead to drowsiness when the brain can no longer be supplied with sufficient amounts. Congenital fructose intolerance in infants leads to vomiting, diarrhea and developmental disorders.
In acquired fructose intolerance, also known as intestinal fructose intolerance, the fructose cannot be absorbed from the intestine or cannot be absorbed completely. This type of fructose intolerance occurs much more frequently than the congenital type. Often affected persons can consume certain amounts of fructose without complaints.
If this limit is exceeded, the consumption of food or drink containing fructose causes abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and flatulence. This is due to the fact that the fructose remaining in the intestine is processed by the intestinal bacteria and these bacteria produce gases that lead to flatulence. In addition, fructose draws water into the intestine, so that the stool becomes more liquid and diarrhoea occurs. If you are suffering from fructose intolerance, foods containing fructose should be avoided or their consumption should be restricted. Since the tolerance level varies from person to person, it is necessary to find out by trial and error how much fructose the body can tolerate.
Fructose allergy
In the case of fructose malabsorption, the absorption of fructose from the intestine is disturbed. It is also known as intestinal fructose intolerance. This absorption disorder can be caused, among other things, by a permanently increased fructose intake.
In some cases, fructose malabsorption is only temporary. Many people in Germany suffer from fructose malabsorption and the trend is rising due to the increasing use of fructose for finished products. Due to the disturbed absorption of fructose, it remains in the intestine and serves as a source of nutrients for the bacteria there.
Since bacteria produce gases, this leads to flatulence. In addition, the fructose draws water into the intestine, which leads to diluted stool and diarrhoea.
