The doctor told about the signs of fructose intolerance

Fructose intolerance is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to effectively absorb fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, honey, and added sweeteners. Evgeny Belousov, a gastroenterologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia on September 5.

The specialist explained that fructose intolerance exists in two forms: congenital hereditary fructosemia (a rare genetic disease) and acquired fructose malabsorption, which is much more common. Symptoms usually appear one to three hours after eating high-fructose foods and include not only gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea), but also systemic reactions: fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and impaired concentration.

"The mechanism of dizziness development in fructose intolerance is associated with several pathophysiological processes. Undigested fructose is fermented by the intestinal microflora, causing an imbalance of the microbiota and inflammatory processes that affect the autonomic nervous system," the doctor said.

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In some patients, impaired fructose metabolism can lead to hypoglycemia, a decrease in blood glucose levels, which also causes dizziness and weakness. Chronic malabsorption can contribute to the development of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, negatively affecting the vascular system and cerebral circulation.

Dietary correction is a key method for managing fructose intolerance. Belousov recommends eliminating or severely limiting honey, high-fructose foods (apples, pears, mangoes, artichokes, onions), dried fruits, and some sweeteners. Low-fructose fruits are allowed in moderation: bananas, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, as well as most vegetables. It is important to follow the rule of combining fructose with glucose, which improves its absorption, keep a food diary and take probiotics to maintain a healthy intestinal microbiota.

The causes of intolerance depend on the form of the disorder. Congenital fructosemia is caused by a mutation of the ALDOB gene and requires lifelong exclusion of fructose from the diet. Acquired malabsorption is associated with a deficiency of the GLUT5 transporter in the intestine and may develop against the background of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, dysbiosis, or increased fructose intake. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in both cases.

The specialist emphasized that frequent dizziness can be not only a sign of problems with the vestibular apparatus or anemia, but also a manifestation of latent food intolerance. If symptoms appear, especially in combination with gastrointestinal disorders after eating fruits or sweets, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and the development of an individual diet.

Earlier, on May 31, souchef, nutritionist at Grow Food, Karina Gazetdinova, told Izvestia about the dangers of dieting. According to her, the first thing that diets are harmful for is their short—term effect and slowing down of metabolism. When a person drastically reduces the caloric intake of food, the body begins to save and the metabolism slows down.

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