Fructose: incomplete intestinal absorption in humans

Gastroenterology. 1983 Jan;84(1):26-9.

Abstract

Fructose is an increasingly important commercial sweetener. However, some patients report abdominal symptoms after ingesting fructose-containing foods. The completeness of fructose absorption by the small intestine was assessed by breath hydrogen analysis in 16 healthy volunteers and incomplete absorption was defined as a peak rise in breath hydrogen of greater than 20 parts per million. Fructose, 50 g as a 10% solution, was incompletely absorbed in 6 of 16 subjects (37.5%). Incomplete absorption was associated with symptoms of cramps or diarrhea, or both in 5 of these 6 individuals. Incomplete absorption was both concentration- and dose-related. Three subjects incompletely absorbed 37.5 g of fructose. In comparison, all 15 subjects who were studied after ingestion of sucrose, 50 g and a 10% solution, completely absorbed this sugar load. Incomplete absorption of fructose should be considered as a possible case of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breath Tests
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fructose / adverse effects
  • Fructose / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Absorption*
  • Intestine, Small / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sweetening Agents / metabolism

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Fructose