Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: IBS or Fructose Malabsorption or ?

Welcome to the board,

It sounds like you are generally familiar with FODMAPS of which fructose and fructans are two of the five groups of FODMAPs that can be problematic for individuals with functional bowel disorders like IBS. If you aren't fully aware of FODMAPs then the first two links in my signature will give you more information.

A tablespoon of honey contains about 7.5 grams glucose and 8.6 grams of fructose. Therefore 2 tablespoons of honey will contain about 2.2 grams of excess fructose that can contribute to fructose malabsorption. As you may be aware some people are sensitive to low amounts of excess fructose while others can tolerate higher amounts. In fact many normal individuals can handle up to 60 grams of excess fructose before they experience problems. For a fructose malabsorption breath test you drink a solution containing 25 grams of pure fructose. It is quite likely that you didn't eat enough honey to cause a malabsorption symptoms.

In comparison 100 grams of apple (a very small apple) contains about 4.3 grams glucose and 8 grams of fructose for about 3.7 grams of excess fructose. It is quite possible that you eat enough apple or applesauce with enough excess fructose to give you difficulties.

Fructans are long chains of fructose molecules. They can take much longer to cause a reaction than pure fructose. And you may need to eat more to cause symptoms. Also, it is possible to be sensitive to excess fructose but not fructans unless eaten in large amounts. I cannot tolerate small amounts of excess fructose but I can eat lots of fructans with no problem.

Ask lots of questions there are many knowledgeable individuals on the board

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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