I’ll rephrase one that im curious about. Is margarine, (specifically promise brand margarine), to be avoided for people with fructose malabsorption?

Please refer to the writer’s other articles mentioned above. You can see the first series of articles on this topic here:
https://www.healthhype.com/fructose-malabsorption-cause-symptoms-and-diagnosis.html
https://www.healthhype.com/foods-high-in-fructose-sorbitol-fructans-and-fodmaps.html
There are some references to the source of this information on other websites at the bottom of each article. The links to the articles on these reference websites may have changed which is beyond our control.
As indicates on our terms of use page, information on this website is solely intended to serve as a guide. Always consult with a medical professional and registered dietitian/nutritionist before undertaking any change in diet or therapy.

Hi Glennis

We generally don’t advise patients on specific supplements and so on. This should be discussed with a dietitian and I know from experience that there are many very competent dietitians in New Zealand who could be guiding you through this. Given your increased activity, you need to consider a greater intake of calories and protein provided that it does not include foods mentioned in the “Avoid” column. Hydrogen breath tests and stool acidity tests are available in New Zealand but you may have to see a private gastroenterologist. Cannot comment on areas outside Auckland though.

Hi Reg

These notes will be forwarded to the editor. Cannot speak on behalf of the writer. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

And a question: I notice that chocolate is not mentioned in the list. I realize that there are many, many types of chocolate/cocoa, etc. Is the complexity of the item the reason it’s not there?

Hi ph-yoyo

First confirm that you have fructose malabsorption. There is a tendency for people to catch on to certain popular terms of the day and attribute their existing, similar symptoms to these conditions and then fixate on a diagnosis. Many people suffer with FM but it is not as common as it is sometimes made out to be. Sometimes the “hype” around it makes light of those patients who are battling with the condition on a daily basis.

With that said, FODMAP diet may work for you. The focus should be on the TYPE of carbohydrates that you restrict. There is specific treatment for SIBO which you need to discuss with your doctor – antibiotics are part of the treatment but probiotics are also a consideration. Please don’t buy over-the-counter probiotics from your local health store. Speak to your doctor first. Many probiotics on the market today are NOT of any value in the management of certain conditions but prolific marketing and a lack of regulations have allowed fairly “useless” products to become popular. FM may contribute to SIBO and often exacerbate an existing case of SIBO. You need to speak to a dietitian about a proper dietary approach once the diagnosis of FM is confirmed. Please speak to your doctor and if you have not done so as yet, consult with a gastroenterologist for the management of your condition.

I don’t know if have FM, I will get tested soon, but I do have lactose intolerance and SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. I’m on lactose free diet whcih helped a little, but my SIBO wouldn’t go away with several courses of antibiotic(rifaximin).

Will FODMAPS diet works for me? or I have to make more carbohydrate restriction because of SIBO?

How can I get red of SIBO? and is there any connection between FM and SIBO?

How to get started on FODMAPS diet?

Hi Melanie

Most of the information is laid out in the article above. Unfortunately we cannot comment on specific foods in your case as readers tend to use this information without consulting with a dietitian. This puts us at risk of liability, often from the very same readers who asked the questions, when their condition worsens.

If you have been diagnosed with fructose malabsorption then your doctor will refer you to a reputable dietitian. There may be other factors to consider in each case which cannot be covered here.

Readers please do not mention brand / trade / commercial names of products as it affects our ability to offer this type of free question and answer service. You may chat privately with a qualified doctor or dietitian by clicking the Ask a Doctor Online link towards the top article. It is a paid service and all information is kept confidential. The Health Hype team will not be held liable for any misuse of information. Questions containing trade names, contact details and links will be deleted in the future.