Fructose malabsorption: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Fructose malabsorption | |||
| image = [[File:Beta-D-Fructofuranose.svg|150px]] | |||
| caption = Structure of [[fructose]], the sugar involved in fructose malabsorption | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Bloating]], [[diarrhea]], [[flatulence]], [[abdominal pain]] | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Impaired absorption of fructose in the [[small intestine]] | |||
| risks = [[Irritable bowel syndrome]], [[celiac disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Hydrogen breath test]], [[elimination diet]] | |||
| differential = [[Lactose intolerance]], [[sucrose intolerance]], [[celiac disease]] | |||
| treatment = [[Dietary management]], [[low FODMAP diet]] | |||
| medication = [[Probiotics]], [[digestive enzymes]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
== Fructose Malabsorption: Understanding Impaired Fructose Absorption == | == Fructose Malabsorption: Understanding Impaired Fructose Absorption == | ||
Fructose malabsorption, previously known as dietary fructose intolerance (DFI), is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by the inability to properly absorb fructose in the small intestine. | |||
Fructose malabsorption, previously known as dietary fructose intolerance (DFI), is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by the inability to properly absorb fructose in the small intestine. | |||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
[[File:Fructose Ringbildung.png|left|thumb|The molecular structure of fructose, a simple sugar that can be malabsorbed in some individuals.]] | |||
[[File:Fructose Ringbildung.png|thumb|The molecular structure of fructose, a simple sugar that can be malabsorbed in some individuals.]] | |||
Fructose malabsorption is a digestive disorder where the small intestine's [[Enterocyte|enterocytes]] lack the [[GLUT5|fructose carriers]] necessary for the efficient absorption of this sugar. As a result, fructose accumulates in the intestine, which can lead to various symptoms. | Fructose malabsorption is a digestive disorder where the small intestine's [[Enterocyte|enterocytes]] lack the [[GLUT5|fructose carriers]] necessary for the efficient absorption of this sugar. As a result, fructose accumulates in the intestine, which can lead to various symptoms. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The condition arises from the insufficient presence or function of [[GLUT5|GLUT5]], a fructose transporter protein in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Without adequate fructose transport, the sugar is not absorbed into the bloodstream and instead remains in the gut. | The condition arises from the insufficient presence or function of [[GLUT5|GLUT5]], a fructose transporter protein in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Without adequate fructose transport, the sugar is not absorbed into the bloodstream and instead remains in the gut. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of fructose malabsorption may include: | Symptoms of fructose malabsorption may include: | ||
* [[Abdominal Pain|Abdominal pain]] and [[Bloating|bloating]] | * [[Abdominal Pain|Abdominal pain]] and [[Bloating|bloating]] | ||
* [[Diarrhea]] or [[Constipation|constipation]] | * [[Diarrhea]] or [[Constipation|constipation]] | ||
* [[Flatulence]] | * [[Flatulence]] | ||
* [[Nausea]] | * [[Nausea]] | ||
== Historical Identification == | == Historical Identification == | ||
Intolerance to fructose was first reported in 1956, enhancing the understanding of dietary contributions to gastrointestinal disorders. | Intolerance to fructose was first reported in 1956, enhancing the understanding of dietary contributions to gastrointestinal disorders. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of fructose malabsorption is often made using a [[Hydrogen Breath Test|hydrogen breath test]], which measures hydrogen levels in the breath after ingestion of fructose. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest malabsorption. | Diagnosis of fructose malabsorption is often made using a [[Hydrogen Breath Test|hydrogen breath test]], which measures hydrogen levels in the breath after ingestion of fructose. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest malabsorption. | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Management strategies include: | Management strategies include: | ||
* Dietary modifications to limit fructose intake | * Dietary modifications to limit fructose intake | ||
* Use of a [[Low FODMAP Diet|low FODMAP diet]], which restricts certain sugars including fructose | * Use of a [[Low FODMAP Diet|low FODMAP diet]], which restricts certain sugars including fructose | ||
* [[Dietitian|Nutritional counseling]] to maintain balanced nutrition while avoiding fructose | * [[Dietitian|Nutritional counseling]] to maintain balanced nutrition while avoiding fructose | ||
== Distinction from Hereditary Fructose Intolerance == | == Distinction from Hereditary Fructose Intolerance == | ||
[[File:Fructose and galactose metabolism.png|left|thumb|Hereditary fructose intolerance involves a deficiency in liver enzymes, unlike fructose malabsorption.]] | |||
[[File:Fructose and galactose metabolism.png|thumb|Hereditary fructose intolerance involves a deficiency in liver enzymes, unlike fructose malabsorption.]] | |||
Fructose malabsorption should not be confused with [[Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI)|hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)]], a more severe condition where the liver lacks [[Aldolase B|enzymes]] to metabolize fructose. HFI can lead to serious health complications and requires strict avoidance of fructose, [[Sucrose]], and [[Sorbitol]]. | Fructose malabsorption should not be confused with [[Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI)|hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)]], a more severe condition where the liver lacks [[Aldolase B|enzymes]] to metabolize fructose. HFI can lead to serious health complications and requires strict avoidance of fructose, [[Sucrose]], and [[Sorbitol]]. | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
Fructose malabsorption is a condition with dietary management as the mainstay of treatment. Understanding the difference between fructose malabsorption and hereditary fructose intolerance is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and care. | Fructose malabsorption is a condition with dietary management as the mainstay of treatment. Understanding the difference between fructose malabsorption and hereditary fructose intolerance is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and care. | ||
[[Category:Digestive System Disorders]] | [[Category:Digestive System Disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Food Intolerance]] | [[Category:Food Intolerance]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:28, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Fructose malabsorption | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Impaired absorption of fructose in the small intestine |
| Risks | Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease |
| Diagnosis | Hydrogen breath test, elimination diet |
| Differential diagnosis | Lactose intolerance, sucrose intolerance, celiac disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Dietary management, low FODMAP diet |
| Medication | Probiotics, digestive enzymes |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Fructose Malabsorption: Understanding Impaired Fructose Absorption[edit]
Fructose malabsorption, previously known as dietary fructose intolerance (DFI), is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by the inability to properly absorb fructose in the small intestine.
Introduction[edit]

Fructose malabsorption is a digestive disorder where the small intestine's enterocytes lack the fructose carriers necessary for the efficient absorption of this sugar. As a result, fructose accumulates in the intestine, which can lead to various symptoms.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The condition arises from the insufficient presence or function of GLUT5, a fructose transporter protein in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Without adequate fructose transport, the sugar is not absorbed into the bloodstream and instead remains in the gut.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of fructose malabsorption may include:
Historical Identification[edit]
Intolerance to fructose was first reported in 1956, enhancing the understanding of dietary contributions to gastrointestinal disorders.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of fructose malabsorption is often made using a hydrogen breath test, which measures hydrogen levels in the breath after ingestion of fructose. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest malabsorption.
Management[edit]
Management strategies include:
- Dietary modifications to limit fructose intake
- Use of a low FODMAP diet, which restricts certain sugars including fructose
- Nutritional counseling to maintain balanced nutrition while avoiding fructose
Distinction from Hereditary Fructose Intolerance[edit]

Fructose malabsorption should not be confused with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a more severe condition where the liver lacks enzymes to metabolize fructose. HFI can lead to serious health complications and requires strict avoidance of fructose, Sucrose, and Sorbitol.
Conclusion[edit]
Fructose malabsorption is a condition with dietary management as the mainstay of treatment. Understanding the difference between fructose malabsorption and hereditary fructose intolerance is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and care.


