My daughter has fructose intolerance. Can you tell me which foods have fructose so that she can avoid them?
Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
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.
Show References
- Health Education & Content Services. Fructose malabsorption. Mayo Clinic; 2019.
- Fructose intolerance nutrition therapy. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed Aug. 29, 2023.
- Mason JB, et al. Overview of the treatment of malabsorption. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.
- Kellerman RD, et al. Malabsorption. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/fructose-intolerance/expert-answers/FAQ-20058097