Nutrition therapy with fructose intolerance table
People with hereditary (congenital) fructose intolerance must completely avoid fructose. Even small amounts of fructose can cause serious problems such as liver and kidney damage.
The situation is different with the more common acquired fructose intolerance (fructose malabsorption). Here, a complete renunciation of fructose is neither necessary nor sensible. Affected persons usually tolerate small amounts of fructose of less than 25 grams. If one nevertheless strictly avoids fructose, it is possible that in the long term one will become even more sensitive and tolerate less and less of it.
Instead, in the case of acquired fructose intolerance, a special nutritional therapy consisting of three phases is advised: Abstinence phase, test phase and permanent nutrition. In the course of this nutritional therapy, the fructose content of the diet and the composition of fats and proteins are changed – ideally with the help of a nutritional advisor, for example to avoid nutritional deficiencies. A fructose intolerance table is also a valuable companion for those affected. It indicates the fructose content of certain foods.
Abstinence phase
In addition, you should also eliminate foods with sugar alcohols or sugar substitutes (e.g., sorbitol) as well as high-fiber foods such as legumes, cabbage or whole grain products from your diet for the time being. In contrast, the consumption of glucose or malt is not problematic. You can also sweeten your food and drinks with stevia during the abstinence phase.
Test phase
The aim of this phase, which lasts about six weeks, is to determine your individual fructose limit by gradually increasing the amount of fructose you consume. The fructose intolerance table helps you to calculate how many grams of fructose you can consume without complaints and at what level complaints occur.
Experiment with foods that are at the beginning of the fructose intolerance food chart (vegetables, fruits). They contain only small amounts of fructose. On the other hand, you should completely avoid sugar alcohols even in this phase.
You should also try out whether you tolerate fructose or certain fructose-containing foods better if you combine them with foods that contain sufficient fat and protein. Dextrose as a “fructose companion” can also facilitate the absorption of fructose in the intestines. To help you keep track, it is a good idea to keep a food diary during this time.
