Fructose Malabsorption & Alcohol

Fructose malabsorption is a condition characterized by the poor absorption of

fructose and other short-chain fermentable carbohydrates such as lactose, fructans,
galactans and polyols. If you do not absorb fructose and these sugars properly, they
are fermented by the bacteria in your intestines, attract water and produce gas. The
resulting symptoms are bloating, pain, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. The only
treatment for fructose malabsorption is to follow a fructose-restricted diet and to
eliminate other fermentable sugar according to your personal tolerance.

Wine
Fortified wine, such as sherry and port, as well as sweet wines, have a higher
fructose content and should be avoided if you suffer from fructose malabsorption.
However, dry wines are usually well tolerated and may be consumed in small
amounts. To prevent any problems, avoid taking too many glasses at once and have
your wine with a source of protein at your meal.

Fortified wine, such as sherry and port, as well as sweet wines, have a higher fructose
content and should be avoided if you suffer from fructose malabsorption.

Beer
Beer does not contain fructose, because all the sugar it contained has already been
fermented by the yeast added to it. Most people with fructose malabsorption need to
avoid wheat and rye because these grains are a big source of fructans. Fructans are a
chain of fructose that, if poorly absorbed, lead to the same symptoms seen in fructose
malabsorption 3. Although beer can be made from these grains, it is free of fructans
and should not cause a problem. However, beer contains gluten and if you have celiac
disease, a condition describing an allergy to gluten, in addition to being a fructose
malabsorber, you should avoid regular beer and turn to a gluten-free brew.

Beer does not contain fructose, because all the sugar it contained has already been
fermented by the yeast added to it.
However, beer contains gluten and if you have celiac disease, a condition describing
an allergy to gluten, in addition to being a fructose malabsorber, you should avoid
regular beer and turn to a gluten-free brew.

Hard Liquor
Hard liquors are free of fructose or any sugar that can be problematic for people
diagnosed with fructose malabsorption. If your liquor is sweetened, check the
ingredients list. Sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup, honey, agave syrup and
sugar-alcohols are problematic and should be avoided. You should also avoid mixing
your hard liquor with soft drinks or large quantities of juices that could increase your
fructose load and lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Hard liquors are free of fructose or any sugar that can be problematic for people
diagnosed with fructose malabsorption.
You should also avoid mixing your hard liquor with soft drinks or large quantities of
juices that could increase your fructose load and lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Determining Your Tolerance

People with fructose malabsorption have a varying degree of sensitivity to
fermentable sugars and other foods and it is important that you determine your own
tolerance to alcohol. Alcohol can be irritating for your intestines and can cause
problems if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An elimination challenge diet
is the best way to evaluate how certain foods make you feel. With such a diet, you
need to eliminate all potentially offending foods for at least four to six weeks and then
reintroduce some of these foods or beverages, like alcohol, one by one, to see how
your body reacts. Meet with a registered dietitian for help establishing your safe food
list with fructose malabsorption.

People with fructose malabsorption have a varying degree of sensitivity to

fermentable sugars and other foods and it is important that you determine your own
tolerance to alcohol.
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