Sugar Allergy: The Most Common Causes

If you have a sugar intolerance, the intake of sugar leads to numerous complaints. You can find out what types of intolerances these are in this health tip.

Sugar intolerance is not an allergy

A sugar allergy is commonly referred to when the intake of sugar causes symptoms.

• However, there is no such thing as an allergy to sugar. An allergy is a reaction of the immune system to certain substances.
• In contrast, an intolerance is a process in which the body cannot absorb, metabolize or absorb certain substances supplied with food.
• This is exactly the case with a sugar intolerance, also called sugar intolerance.
• Different intolerances are differentiated here. Symptoms of sugar intolerance range from flatulence and abdominal pain to diarrhea.

These sugar intolerances exist

There are different types of sugar. Anyone can have an intolerance.

• Sucrose: Sucrose is ordinary table sugar. The cause of sucrose intolerance is a rare metabolic disorder. However, intolerance to table sugar is very rare.
• Lactose: Lactose is another word for milk sugar. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase. This splits the lactose into glucose and galactose.
• Fructose: Fructose means fruit sugar. Normally, sugar goes into the blood in the small intestine. A specific transport protein is responsible for absorption into the blood. If this protein is defective, the fructose absorption does not work properly and the fructose gets into the large intestine.
• While this fructose intolerance is relatively common, there is a rare form of fructose intolerance called hereditary fructose intolerance. The cause here is a congenital enzyme defect that causes a life-threatening metabolic disorder.
• Sorbitol: Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is the alcohol form of fructose. In the case of sorbitol intolerance, food containing sorbitol reaches the large intestine because the small intestine cannot properly utilize the sorbitol. In the large intestine, the sorbitol is metabolized by bacteria, resulting in the formation of gases. It is not known what causes sorbitol intolerance.
• Galactose: together with glucose – i.e. grape sugar – galactose forms milk sugar. This is a rare congenital metabolic disorder. The defect in a certain enzyme is responsible, which means that the body cannot utilize the galactose. Galactose intolerance is also called galactosemia.

Sugar intolerance FAQs

What are the effects of sugar intolerance?

When the small intestine has a hard time using certain sugars, they pass undigested into the large intestine, where bacteria ferment them. This creates gases and acids, which cause the typical sugar intolerance symptoms: abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and nausea.

How do you diagnose sugar intolerance?

If a sugar intolerance is suspected , the person concerned should write a diet and symptom log for at least one week to clarify the suspicion. A breath test, in which the hydrogen content in the exhaled air is measured, is usually used for precise clarification.

Can you have an allergic reaction to sugar?

Allergy to sugar is scientifically unknown; in this context, it is also referred to as a pseudoallergy. The following diseases are known as independent diseases: Lactose intolerance. Sucrose intolerance (sucrose isomaltose malabsorption).

What to do about glucose intolerance?

Fresh vegetables are an ideal alternative source of glucose. On the one hand, the glucose content is significantly lower and on the other hand, the body has to expend more energy to get to the glucose . In this way, the glucose supply lasts longer and the blood sugar can be gradually lowered.

How do you know if you are fructose intolerant?

Fructose intolerance typically leads to bloating/bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea if you have consumed too much of the sugar. The doctor can determine the intolerance using a breath test.

What do you do if you have impaired glucose tolerance?

If those affected take appropriate measures in the event of impaired glucose tolerance , the risk of developing diabetes later on can be reduced . The most important thing is a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise and – if necessary – losing weight.