What are the Symptoms of Sucrose Intolerance and the Treatment for Sucrose Intolerance?

Sucrose intolerance, also known as sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, is a rare digestive disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down sucrose (table sugar) and isomaltose, two types of sugar. This leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and gas after consuming sucrose or isomaltose-containing foods.

The symptoms of sucrose intolerance can vary in severity, frequency, and duration. Some common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping.

Bloating: This is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, often accompanied by abdominal distension.

Diarrhea: This is the frequent passage of loose or watery stools.

Gas: This can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, leading to the production of excessive amounts of gas.

Nausea: This is a feeling of discomfort or sickness in the stomach, often accompanied by a desire to vomit.

Weight loss: This can occur as a result of avoiding foods containing sucrose or isomaltose, which can lead to decreased caloric intake and malnutrition.

Sucrose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down sucrose and isomaltose into glucose and fructose, which can then be absorbed by the small intestine. In individuals with sucrose intolerance, the body is unable to properly break down these sugars, leading to the symptoms described above.

Diagnosis of sucrose intolerance is typically made based on symptoms and medical history, as well as a hydrogen breath test, which measures the levels of hydrogen in the breath after consuming a sucrose-containing beverage. In some cases, a biopsy of the small intestine may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment for sucrose intolerance is a low-sucrose diet, which involves avoiding foods and beverages that contain significant amounts of sucrose or isomaltose. This can be challenging, as many common foods, such as fruits, sweeteners, and processed foods, contain these sugars. It is important for individuals with sucrose intolerance to read food labels carefully and be aware of hidden sources of sucrose and isomaltose.

In addition to a low-sucrose diet, some individuals with sucrose intolerance may benefit from taking digestive enzymes to help break down the sugars they consume. These enzymes are available over-the-counter and can be taken with meals to help prevent symptoms.

It is also important for individuals with sucrose intolerance to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to avoid malnutrition. This may involve working with a dietitian to ensure adequate caloric and nutrient intake.

In severe cases of sucrose intolerance, surgery may be recommended to remove part of the small intestine where the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme is produced. However, this is typically only considered in severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.

In conclusion, sucrose intolerance is a rare digestive disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down sucrose and isomaltose. Symptoms of sucrose intolerance can range from mild discomfort to severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. The main treatment for sucrose intolerance is a low-sucrose diet, and individuals with this condition may also benefit from taking digestive enzymes and working with a dietitian to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. If you think you may have sucrose intolerance, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.