Fructose intolerance: Which foods to avoid?
January, 9th, 2024
Question
My daughter has fructose intolerance. Can you tell me which foods have fructose so that she can avoid them?
Summary
Fructose is a sugar found naturally in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables and honey. Learn which foods to avoid if you have fructose intolerance.
Answer
, Answer Section, ,
Fructose is a sugar found naturally in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables and honey. Table sugar, called sucrose, also has fructose. High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is in many processed foods and drinks.
When the digestive system doesn’t absorb fructose properly, it can cause stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and gas. This is known as fructose intolerance.
People who have fructose intolerance should limit high-fructose foods. These include juices, apples, pears, watermelon, asparagus and peas. Some people can tolerate foods with lower fructose levels if they eat them in small amounts with meals. These foods include grapes, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, green beans and lettuce.
Read product labels carefully and avoid foods containing:
- Agave syrup.
- Fructose.
- High-fructose corn syrup.
- Honey.
- Invert sugar.
- Maple-flavored syrup.
- Molasses.
- Palm or coconut sugar.
- Sorghum.
Consult a registered dietitian for a complete list of foods to eat or avoid. The dietitian also can help create an eating plan for your daughter to make sure she gets the nutrients she needs.
