Sugar is considered as the simplest form of carbohydrates that is usually present in dairy products, fruits, table sugar and candies. There are various types of sugar available such as lactose, fructose, galactose and sucrose. The body utilizes specialized enzymes in order to properly digest sugar and generate energy required by the body. In some individuals, they are born without the required enzymes to properly digest a particular type of sugar. This results to intolerance on that specific type of sugar. It is important to note that sugar intolerance can lead to various symptoms depending on the type of sugar.
What is fructose intolerance?
Take note that fructose is basically a monosaccharide which is the simplest form of sugar. Throughout the digestion process, the body degrades the fructose into smaller molecules with the help of the enzyme aldolase B.
Intolerance to fructose is a genetic condition. It simply means that some individuals naturally lack the enzyme aldolase B. The symptoms of fructose intolerance typically occur as soon as the infant starts to ingest formula and food. Constant vomiting and eating difficulty are the early symptoms. Severe sleepiness and irritability can also occur. In some cases, infants who have fructose intolerance can suffer convulsions and even develop jaundice which involves the yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Lactose intolerance
One of the prevalent types of sugar intolerance is lactose intolerance. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar that is comprised of galactose and glucose which is present in milk and other dairy products. An individual can develop lactose intolerance due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase which is responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose.
A deficiency in lactose usually develops after 2 years old when the body started to produce less lactase. The indications of lactose intolerance usually manifest within a span of 30 minutes up to 2 two hours afterwards the ingestion of dairy products. The usual symptoms include flatulence and gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. If you want to learn how to properly manage the symptoms of lactose intolerance, click here.
Sucrose intolerance
The combination of glucose and fructose produces sucrose which is a disaccharide. Cane sugar or pure table sugar is comprised of sucrose. The body breaks down sucrose for digestion utilizing the enzyme sucrose. It is important to note that sucrose intolerance can lead to the manifestation of symptoms that are similar to lactose intolerance including flatulence, excess gas, bloating and abdominal pain. The condition can also cause severe symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, heart arrhythmias and heart palpitations.
Galactose intolerance
Galactose is a simple monosaccharide that is quite similar to the structure of glucose. Intolerance to galactose is usually inherited and develops at an early stage among infants especially after the consumption of dairy products. The indications are quite similar to fructose intolerance including poor feeding, vomiting and inability to gain weight. Excessive sleepiness, irritability and lethargy can also develop. Additionally, the infant can also suffer from convulsions and jaundice.