Starch and Sucrose intolerance

Intolerance to starch and sucrose intolerance?

Starch and sucrose are both carbohydrates and are often found in large quantities in our diets. Sucrose is a disaccharide made of two linked carbohydrate molecules: glucose and fructose. Starch consists of long chains of linked carbohydrate molecules. In the small intestine, starch and sucrose are broken down with the help of enzymes in order to be properly absorbed into the blood.

If these enzymes are missing or only present to a limited extent, sucrose and starch cannot be absorbed in the small intestine. Both substances then end up in the large intestine where fermentation takes place by the intestinal bacteria found there. In the fermentation process starch can attract moisture and there can be a release of gas.

Which foods are high in sucrose and starch?

Both sucrose and starch are found in many foods. For example, sucrose is found in fruit and table sugar, while starch is found in almost all grain products and potatoes. Examples of foods that contain (a lot of) sucrose or starch are:

• Table sugar
• Fruits, such as apples, bananas, mangoes, pears, orange, and watermelons
• Vegetables, such as corn, beetroot, carrot, sweet potato, and onion
• Bread
• Rice, pasta, and other grains
• Processed foods, such as cookies, sweets, and sauces.

It’s important to note that sucrose is often added to processed foods, and you’ll typically see it listed under the “carbohydrates” section of a product’s nutrition label.

Managing starch and sucrose intolerance

For those with starch and sucrose intolerance, dietary management is essential if you want to reduce symptoms and maintain overall health. The first step is identifying foods that are problematic and learning how to substitute them with alternatives that are easier to digest. Many fruits and vegetables contain natural sugars, but there are lower-sucrose options such as berries, avocados, and leafy greens that can provide essential nutrients without triggering symptoms. Similarly, starch-free or low-starch options like quinoa, buckwheat, or non-starchy vegetables can help reduce the digestive burden while still providing fiber and energy.

In addition to dietary changes, enzyme supplements may be recommended by healthcare professionals to help break down starch and sucrose during meals. Intoleran offers a product that contains enzymes called Invertase and Glucoamylase, these enzymes can help reduce symptoms and can help in the digestion of Sucrose and Starch.

It’s also important to consult with a dietitian or healthcare provider to ensure that nutrient needs are being met while managing the starch intolerance, as avoiding certain food groups can sometimes lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals.

You can read more about the topic in our knowledge bank or you can contact one of our dietitians 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: