Understanding Sucrose Intolerance

Sucrose, also known as table sugar, is found in many everyday foods. For most people, it’s easily digested with the help of an enzyme called sucrase-isomaltase. However, if your body doesn’t produce enough of this enzyme, undigested sucrose moves into the colon, leading to uncomfortable digestive symptoms. This condition is called sucrose intolerance.

At NYGA, we help patients identify and manage sucrose intolerance with personalized care, including medical nutrition therapy from our registered dietitians.

Sucrose Intolerance Symptoms 

Recognizing the symptoms of sucrose intolerance is the first step toward diagnosis and effective management.

Bloating

When undigested sucrose ferments in the colon, it produces gas that can cause bloating and discomfort, typically 2-8 hours following consumption of the food.

Abdominal pain or cramping

Difficulty breaking down sucrose can irritate the digestive tract, drawing excess water into the bowel and/or increasing gaseous distention of the bowel walls. This can lead to pain or cramping.

Constipation and diarrhea

The osmotic pull of liquid into the digestive tract from undigested sugars can lead to diarrhea or soft, mushy stools that can feel difficult to fully empty.

Management of Sucrose Intolerance

Often having a sucrose intolerance makes it hard to eat everyday foods unless you have access to a prescription enzyme that replaces your body’s missing sucrase enzyme. Once you have been diagnosed with sucrose intolerance by our physicians, they can prescribe the necessary enzyme that will allow you to eat and drink relatively freely without symptoms.

Our expert GI dietitians will meet with you to teach you which foods contain sucrose so that you know when to use your enzymes, and how to navigate eating in circumstances where you may not have access to your enzymes.  If you have sucrose intolerance, certain foods can trigger symptoms because of their high sucrose content. Common culprits include:

•       Table sugar and products made with it
• Maple syrup and other sweet syrups
• Certain fruits like bananas, oranges, mangoes and melons
•       Certain vegetables like beets, peas, carrots and sweet potatoes

Sucrose-free alternatives

Living with sucrose intolerance doesn’t mean giving up flavor or variety. There are plenty of low- or no-sucrose options that can help you enjoy your meals without discomfort when you don’t have access to your prescription enzymes, such as:

• Natural sweeteners like glucose, rice syrup or stevia
• Non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers (and many others)
• Fruits like berries, kiwi, grapes, and cherries
• Plain/unsweetened yogurt, cheeses, firm tofu, poultry, eggs, fish, and meats

Nutrition Support for Sucrose Intolerance

Managing sucrose intolerance starts with what’s on your plate. NYGA’s registered dietitians provide one-on-one nutritional guidance to help you shop, prepare meals, and eat with confidence.

Our team will teach you to read ingredient labels for hidden sugars, recognize terms like sucrose, cane sugar, or evaporated cane juice, and spot unexpected sources, such as salad dressings, condiments, and canned goods that could trigger symptoms unless consumed along with prescription enzymes. We’ll also help you find satisfying alternatives and create a meal plan that supports both your digestion and your lifestyle for when your enzymes may not be available

How to Get Tested for Sucrose Intolerance

Two main tests can help confirm sucrose intolerance:

1. Breath test: This noninvasive test can be done at home. It measures a radiolabeled form of carbon  in your breath after consuming a special sucrose solution, which can indicate how well your body has  digested it.
2. Small intestine biopsy: Performed during an endoscopy, this test measures sucrase-isomaltase enzyme activity for a more precise diagnosis.

If you think you may have sucrose intolerance, NYGA can determine which testing method is right for you and guide you through the next steps. Our expert gastroenterologists and dietitians are here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

 

Don’t wait. Prioritize your health today.