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I have got lactose, fructose and sorbitol intolerance. What consequences does this have for me and for my diet. What are the therapy options?

Germany

On the basis of your diagnosis we can only offer a few general indications about food intolerances. For proper treatment it is important to consult your doctor. Before you can change your diet and draw up an individual dietary plan, you must know the exact causes of your food intolerance.
The lactose-intolerance is not an allergy, it is a deficiency of the enzyme called lactase. In normal cases this enzyme decomposes the lactose found in milk and milk-products. Lactose is decomposed into glucose und galactose. Only the decomposition product can be absorbed into the blood by the intestinal mucosa. If the lactose does not decompose, the intestinal bacteria will cause it to ferment and produce gases which lead to flatulence.
In the same way, fructose intolerance is not an allergy. It is an intestinal dysfunction of fructose absorption. The transport system in the intestine is disordered. So fructose cannot be absorbed into the blood. The unabsorbed fructose will also be fermented by intestinal bacteria, resulting again in gases and flatulence. Fructose is contained in fruits and food with fruit ingredients. Minor amounts of fructose are still tolerated. Only a larger quantity of fructose will cause problems and pains, when you eat very large amounts of fresh fruits.
Sorbitol is a sugar substitute produced by enzymes from glucose and used as bulk sweetener in bakery products, sugar-free chewing gums and diabetic foods. If you have a fructose intolerance, you will also be unable to digest sorbitol. Sorbitol undergoes the same decomposition process as fructose and thus causes the same symptoms.
When they buy food, people with lactose, fructose and sorbitol intolerance should pay attention to the information in the package label on lactose, fructose, sorbitol.
The food trade now offers lacto-free milk and milk products (< 1.2 g lactose/100 g). All types of food intolerance have their own particular characteristics. For this reason it is advisable to consult a doctor who will make the right diagnosis and prescribe the proper treatment.