Sucrose intolerance symptoms

Introduction to sucrose intolerance

Sucrose intolerance is a condition where the body struggles to break down sucrose, a common sugar found in many foods. This can lead to various symptoms, especially digestive discomfort. Understanding what are the symptoms of sucrose intolerance can help individuals recognize and manage the condition more effectively.

Common symptoms sucrose intolerance

Symptoms of sucrose intolerance primarily involve the digestive system. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which often arise shortly after consuming foods high in sucrose. Understanding what are symptoms of sucrose intolerance is crucial to differentiate it from other intolerances.

How symptoms differ from other food intolerances
While the symptoms may resemble other food intolerances, such as lactose or fructose intolerance, they specifically arise after consuming sucrose-rich foods like sweets, certain fruits, and processed snacks. Recognizing this pattern is key to identifying sucrose intolerance symptoms more accurately.

Systemic symptoms of sucrose intolerance

In addition to digestive discomfort, some people with sucrose intolerance experience fatigue and headaches, which can accompany or occur after digestive symptoms. These non-digestive symptoms are likely due to the body’s stress response to incomplete digestion.

How sucrose intolerance can impact energy and mood
The discomfort and fatigue associated with sucrose intolerance symptoms can affect overall energy and mood. Persistent digestive discomfort can also impact sleep and lead to irritability or stress, making symptom management essential for quality of life.

Managing sucrose intolerance symptoms

If you suffer from sucrose intolerance there are a couple things you can do:

Dietary change
The obvious way to manage sucrose intolerance symptoms is just to avoid sucrose in your diet. Although it won’t always be easy, cooking without sucrose can be a good way to reduce digestive discomfort for those with sucrose intolerance. Sucrose-free cooking emphasizes using natural, low-sugar ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and sucrose-free dairy alternatives to create balanced, flavorful meals. Instead of sucrose as a sweetener, options like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol offer a similar taste without triggering symptoms. When baking, using fruits that are lower in sucrose, like berries or avocados, can add natural sweetness and texture to recipes. Additionally, spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg can enhance flavor without adding sugar, making sucrose-free cooking both satisfying and versatile.
Use digestive enzyme supplements
Don’t want the hassle of changing your diet? Then digestive enzymes are the way to go! Digestive enzymes are needed in the process of breaking down food. The one that aids in the digestion of sucrose is Invertase.* By catalyzing the breakdown of sucrose into its simpler components, glucose, and fructose, invertase helps to reduce occasional gas, bloating, and indigestion*.

If you want personalized assistance with your sucrose intolerance, contact one of our specialized dietitians.

If you suspect a food intolerance (like a sucrose intolerance) but are not certain yet, you can take the Intolerance test for more insights.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.