Chronic abdominal pain may indicate fructose intolerance

Children who suffer from recurrent or functional abdominal pain may need to be tested for fructose intolerance. In a recent study by researchers at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center in Tacoma, Washington, more than half (54%) of the 245 patients aged 2 to 18 years (mean age, 11 years) who were seen for unexplained chronic abdominal pain tested positive for fructose intolerance. Most (62%) patients were female.

Testing was done via a breath hydrogen test. Patients received a standard dose of 1 g/kg fructose to a maximum of 25 g. Using a microlyzer self-correcting model SC QuinTron machine, hydrogen and methane levels were tested at 30, 60, and 90 minutes. A level of 20 ppm above baseline was considered a positive result.

Fructose intolerance is effectively managed with a low-fructose diet. All patients in the study who tested positive met with a registered dietician for a nutrition consult, and 68% of patients said their symptoms (pain, constipation, gas or bloating, diarrhea) were resolved through a modified diet.