Avoid sorbitol as it worsens fructose malabsorption symptoms

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free (“light”/diet) food. It naturally occurs in stone fruits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums, and often appears in dried fruits, like raisins and figs. Sorbitol worsens the absorption of fructose. Right now, the reason is not fully understood and still under investigation. One reason may be its laxative effect by drawing water into the large intestine. This stimulates bowel movement and reduces the time in which fructose can be absorbed within the small bowel. Another reason may be that sorbitol inhibits the GLUT5 transport protein.





So, what exactly should you do?

In general, for treating dietary fructose intolerance it’s best to restrict the intake of foods with high fructose and a fructose:glucose ratio > 1, fructans, and sugar alcohols like sorbitol. You don’t need to follow a strict low FODMAP diet, as you don’t need to avoid all FODMAPs, such as lactose, when having only fructose malabsorption.

Check out my Fructose Malabsorption Food List, my free nutrition guide, or one of the apps you can find under Helpful Resources for detailed information about what foods to avoid or eat without nasty consequences during a fructose malabsorption diet.