What Is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?

Various bacteria are present in the human small intestine as part of normal intestinal flora, but when they overgrow, they may cause diarrhea. They may also break down bile acids, necessary for absorption of fats, thus reducing absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. In severe cases, bacteria may damage small intestinal wall thus impairing carbohydrate and protein absorption resulting in malnutrition. Anemia may develop, when bacteria break down vitamin B12.

continue reading Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Symptoms, Treatment

Toddler’s Diarrhea

Diarrhea refers to increased frequency and water content of stools.

Small children between 6 months and 3 years of age (toddlers) who drink a lot of fruit juices (especially apple juice) may have an ‘unexplained’ chronic diarrhea (lasting more than 2 weeks). Fruit sugar fructose from fruit juices, delivered into the small intestine of a small child in excessive amount, drags water from the intestinal wall into intestinal hollow, thus causing the so-called toddler’s diarrhea.

continue reading Toddler’s Diarrhea, Chronic Diarrhea in Small Children

Loose Bowel Movements (Diarrhea)

Occasional loose bowel movements may be normal, but having over three loose stools per day is a symptom of diarrhea.

Check characteristics of normal and excessive bowel movements. Read how to find the cause of loose bowel movements from medical symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation means having less than three bowel movements in a week.

Check the causes of chronic constipation and severe constipation.

continue reading Bowel Movement Problems

Nutrition Guide For Fructose Malabsorption

In the table below there are lists of foods – safe to eat, to try, and to avoid in fructose malabsorption, according to several dietitians’ and fructose malabsorbers’ recommendations. The list may serve only as the orientation, since absorption of fructose and other nutrients may vary considerably among individuals with FM, so everyone should make lists of not/allowed foods and their tolerable amounts, according to personal experience. In small children, fructose absorption often improves with age.

continue reading Nutrition Guide for Fructose Malabsorption

Amount of Fructose, Glucose, Sorbitol and Fructans in Foods

Foods, problematic in fructose malabsorption (FM) are: 

• High in fructose
• High in sorbitol
• Have high fructose-to-glucose ratio (>1)
• High in fructans or other FODMAPs (problematic only for some persons with FM)

continue reading Foods, High in Fructose, Sorbitol, Fructans and FODMAPs

Principles of a Diet in Fructose Malabsorption

Individuals with fructose malabsorption (FM) may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea and bloating, after ingesting fructose, sorbitol, fructans, or otherFODMAPs in an amount exceeding their absorption threshold (1).

Fructose absorption threshold in FM may range from 0 to 25 grams of fructose per sitting (1).    

continue reading Low Fructose Diet in Fructose Malabsorption

What Is Fructose Malabsorption (FM)?

A human intestine cannot absorb an unlimited amount of fructose, but most people can absorb 25-50 g of fructose per sitting (1). By definition, inability to absorb 25 g of fructose per sitting is considered as fructose malabsorption. Unabsorbed fructose may cause diarrhea and bloating.

Fructose malabsorption (FM) was previously known as ‘dietary fructose intolerance’ (DFI), but this term should be avoided to prevent confusion with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI).

continue reading Fructose Malabsorption – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis