Fructose malabsorption

Fructose malabsorption is a condition of impaired intestinal absorption of dietary fructose. It is common to malabsorb this sugar; in fact 33% of healthy individuals have fructose malabsorption without experiencing any symptoms.

Fructose malabsorption only becomes problematic, requiring a low fructose diet, when the individual has a gastrointestinal condition such as IBS, IBD or another functional gastrointestinal disorder. When fructose is malabsorbed in these individuals, it is fermented by bacteria that produce gas. In healthy people, this results in flatulence; in IBS sufferers, the hypersensitive gut means that the person experiences wind, bloating, abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

The highest sources of dietary fructose are honey, apples and pears. Restriction of these foods usually provides some relief, but most people also need to reduce their intake of other FODMAPs.

Please be aware that the diet for fructose malabsorption is a relatively new treatment option. As such, research into the dietary strategy continues. Many websites and some practitioners are unaware of the recent research advances in this area and may therefore offer inaccurate advice. The majority of food lists available in books and on the internet are out of date. To ensure you receive the correct information, please consult a dietitian specialising in the field. Some of our dietitians work directly with the team that undertake research into this area and as such we are kept up to date on any changes. If you have received advice on a low fructose diet in the past and it has not been effective, it could be that you just need an update. Please visit our appointment information page for details on group and individual consultations designed for this purpose.