Fructose malabsorption foods

How to create a fructose malabsorption food list

Managing fructose malabsorption starts with creating a personalized food list that minimizes symptoms while ensuring nutritional balance. Fructose malabsorption occurs when the small intestine cannot efficiently absorb fructose, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. A well-structured food list is essential for symptom management and maintaining a healthy diet.

Steps to identify fructose malabsorption foods to avoid

The first step is identifying foods high in fructose that can trigger symptoms. Common culprits include:

• Fruits: Apples, pears, mangoes, and watermelon.
• Sweeteners: High-fructose corn syrup, honey, and agave nectar.
• Vegetables: Artichokes, asparagus, and sugar snap peas.
• Processed foods: Sodas, fruit juices, and snacks with added sweeteners.

Check ingredient labels for terms like “fruit concentrates” or “natural sweeteners,” as these often indicate fructose.

Selecting low-fructose foods

Once high-fructose items are identified, focus on alternatives that are easier to digest:

• Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, lemons, and limes.
• Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, lettuce, and cucumbers.
• Sweeteners: Glucose syrup, dextrose, and stevia.
• Grains: Oats, rice, and spelt for carbohydrate sources.

These foods form the foundation of a balanced fructose malabsorption diet.

Professional guidance

You can read more about the topic in our knowledge bank or you can contact one of our dieticians for personalized advice. If you’re facing symptoms and don’t know where they come from, you can take the intolerance test for more information:

*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.