here's a post I made on another list. It may be of interest to folks
on this list as well.

>Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: "Thomas E. Billings" <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2003 08:08:57 -0700 (PDT)
>Subject: [ivu-sci] fructose intolerance: an under-recognized problem (article)

Here's a recent article that may be of interest to list members:

"Fructose intolerance: an under-recognized problem"
Young K. Choi M.D., Fredrick C. Johlin, Jr. M.D.,
Robert W. Summers M.D., Michelle Jackson and
Satish S. C. Rao M.D., Ph.D.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume 98, Issue 6 , June 2003, Pages 1348-1353

Abstract

Objectives
Although the role of lactose intolerance in the pathogenesis
of abdominal symptoms is well known, the role of fructose
intolerance is unclear. Our aims were
1) to examine the prevalence of fructose intolerance in patients
with unexplained abdominal symptoms, and
2) to explore whether fructose concentration influences fructose
breath test.

Methods
Over 2 yr, patients with unexplained symptoms answered
questionnaires and underwent fructose breath tests. Patients
received 50 g fructose in 150 ml water (33% solution). Breath
samples were collected for hydrogen and methane. In a second
study, breath test was performed after giving either 10%, 20%,
or 33% fructose solution. Data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results
A total of 183 patients (50 male, 133 female) had breath tests,
of whom 134 (73%) were positive. Among these, 119 (89%) had
elevated H2, and 15 (11%) had elevated CH4 or both gases.
Questionnaires showed that flatus (83%), pain (80%), bloating
(78%), belching (70%), and altered bowel habit (65%) were the
most common symptoms. Breath test reproduced symptoms in 101
patients (75%). In the second study, 14/36 (39%) tested positive
with a 10% solution, 23/33 (70%) with a 20% solution, and 16/20
(80%) with a 33% solution (10% versus 20% or 33%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Fructose intolerance may cause unexplained GI symptoms.
The higher yield of positive tests in our initial study may be
due to referral bias or testing conditions; lower test dose
produced a lower yield. Nonetheless, recognition and treatment of
fructose intolerance may help many patients.

PS As usual, please start a separate thread if you have not read the
full text of the article, but want to comment anyway.

Tom Billings