Fructose Intolerance in Children

Fructose is the naturally occurring sugar found in fruits. Man-made fructose can be found in baby and children's food and drinks as a sweetener.

Symptoms

• According to child nutrition expert Mario Cassar, symptoms of fructose intolerance include: vomiting, severe abdominal pain and hypoglycemia symptoms after fructose has been ingested. Additional symptoms may include: irritability, excessive sleepiness, convulsions and an intolerance for fruit or sweet foods.

Testing

• Children with possible fructose intolerances are tested through a detailed physical examination, liver function tests and enzyme studies. Fructose intolerances may also cause children to develop hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia characterized by excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood and abnormal kidney function.

Treatment

• Cassar states that the most effective treatment of fructose intolerances in children is to remove all sources of fructose from the diet. Children may also benefit from removing all sources of sucrose from the diet. Children who have developed complications as a result of fructose intolerance will need specific treatment according to specific conditions.

Prevention/Solution

• Parents with a family history of fructose intolerance may benefit from genetic counseling to prevent fructose intolerance symptoms in their children. Parents can also ensure that children adhere to a strict, fructose-free diet to prevent the damaging effects of fructose intolerance.

Warning

• Fructose intolerance is a serious health condition that should be addressed immediately by a pediatrician. Serious complications such as seizures, gout, liver failure and possibly death can result if the condition is left untreated.