What is Fructose Malabsorption?

Fructose malabsorption (FrucMal) occurs when the small intestine has a reduced capacity to absorb the fructose consumed in our food. This results in discomfort and pain after eating foods high in fructose. There is a staggering number of foods that contain fructose, and for those who have trouble processing fructose, this becomes the primary cause of digestive complaints.

What is Fructan Intolerance?

We all experience fructan malabsorption to some degree. This is normal as fructans are not readily absorbed during digestion and pass through to the large intestine. Generally the body can only absorb 5-15 percent of fructans. This is because our bodies don’t produce enough of the enzyme that breaks down fructans in the small intestine. This results in the fructans travelling to the large intestine and being fermented by bacteria.

While most people tolerate the fermentation of fructans without issue, in some people this process can trigger gastrointestinal problems and they are said to be fructan intolerant. Common symptoms of fructan intolerance are - bloating, diarrhea, pain and constipation.