Sweet and Low

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Gut Check

Sweet and Low

 

Tuesday, October 28, 2003; Page HE02

 

 

The finding Cutting back on fructose -- a sugar found in many

fruits, soft drinks, canned foods and sweeteners -- may reduce

symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to University

of Iowa researchers.

 

IBS, a gastrointestinal disorder whose symptoms include cramping,

bloating, constipation, diarrhea and gas, affects some 58 million

Americans, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

 

 

 

 

What's New While scientists have suspected for some time that

fructose may contribute to IBS, the new study is the first to show a

fructose-restricted diet effective in relieving symptoms for some

patients, according to gastroenterology professor and lead

researcher Satish Rao.

 

He presented the yet-unpublished findings earlier this month in

Baltimore at the annual meeting of the American College of

Gastroenterology.

 

Sour on Fructose U.S. consumption of fructose -- a key component of

corn syrup --

 

has grown sharply over the last 15 years, now accounting for more

than half the sugar most people eat, says Rao.

But many people have trouble digesting it, he says.

 

Rather than becoming absorbed into the bloodstream, it ferments in

the stomachs of these people, causing symptoms much the way that

milk products cause problems for people unable to digest lactose,

another sugar.

 

The study Rao put 130 study participants who had tested positive in

a fructose intolerance breath test on a diet low in canned foods,

honey, fruit, candy and non-dietetic soft drinks.

 

After about a year, he asked participants about their symptoms.

Although the findings are based on a small sample -- just 26 people -

- more than half of those able to stick with the menu reported a

significant improvement in symptoms including pain, bloating,

diarrhea and flatus.

" The message is strong, " says Rao.

 

-- Rita Zeidner

 

 

© 2003 The Washington Post Company