Better Bowel Co: Gut Help for Kids & Adults

Sucrose Intolerance in Kids and Adults

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What It Is, Symptoms to Watch For, and How to Manage It

If eating fruits, sweets, or even everyday foods leaves you or your child with bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation, sucrose intolerance may be part of the picture.

Sucrose intolerance is often overlooked and misunderstood, especially in children. Many families are told symptoms are due to picky eating, lactose intolerance, or general digestive sensitivity when something more specific is happening.

As a GI nurse practitioner, I see this frequently. Let’s break it down in a clear, practical way.

What Is Sucrose Intolerance?

Sucrose intolerance happens when the body has difficulty breaking down sucrose, which is a type of sugar made of glucose and fructose.

Normally, an enzyme called sucrase helps digest sucrose in the small intestine. When sucrase activity is low or missing, sucrose is not properly absorbed and instead travels to the colon, where it ferments.

This fermentation leads to gas, bloating, pain, diarrhea, and sometimes constipation.

What Causes Sucrose Intolerance?

There are two main reasons sucrose intolerance occurs.

1. Congenital Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)

This is a genetic condition where the body produces little or no sucrase enzyme. Symptoms often begin in infancy or early childhood, especially when solid foods are introduced.

2. Secondary Sucrose Intolerance

This can happen after gut inflammation, infections, celiac disease, or chronic constipation. The gut lining becomes irritated and enzyme activity temporarily decreases.

The good news is that secondary sucrose intolerance may improve once the gut heals.

Common Symptoms of Sucrose Intolerance

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may look different in kids and adults.

In children, common signs include:

  • Chronic diarrhea or loose stools
  • Abdominal pain after eating
  • Severe bloating or gas
  • Poor weight gain
  • Diaper rashes from acidic stools
  • Behavioral changes after meals

In adults, symptoms may include:

  • Bloating after sweets or fruit
  • Gas and abdominal discomfort
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fatigue after meals
  • Avoidance of certain foods without clear reason

Foods That Commonly Trigger Symptoms

Sucrose is found in many foods, not just candy or desserts.

Common triggers include:

  • Table sugar
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Fruit juices
  • Sweetened yogurts
  • Baked goods
  • Some fruits
  • Processed foods with added sugar

Many families are surprised to learn that “healthy” foods can still cause symptoms.

How Is Sucrose Intolerance Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often requires a GI specialist.

Common diagnostic approaches include:

  • Breath testing
  • Genetic testing for CSID
  • Response to dietary changes
  • In some cases, small intestine biopsy

If symptoms are persistent or severe, testing is important to avoid unnecessary dietary restriction.

How Is Sucrose Intolerance Managed?

Management depends on the underlying cause and severity.

Dietary adjustments may include:

  • Reducing or eliminating high sucrose foods
  • Reading labels carefully
  • Choosing glucose based sweeteners when appropriate

Enzyme replacement:

Some patients benefit from prescription enzyme therapy that helps break down sucrose.

Supporting gut health:

Addressing constipation, inflammation, and overall digestive health can improve tolerance over time.

Can Sucrose Intolerance cause Constipation?

Yes. While sucrose intolerance often causes diarrhea, some children and adults develop constipation due to gut irritation, inflammation, and stool withholding after painful bowel movements.

Sucrose Intolerance vs Lactose Intolerance

These are not the same condition.

Lactose intolerance involves dairy sugars.
Sucrose intolerance involves table sugar and many fruits.

It is possible to have both, which can make diagnosis confusing without proper evaluation.

When Should You See a GI Specialist?

You should seek medical evaluation if:

  • Symptoms are ongoing
  • Growth is affected in children
  • Diet feels extremely restricted
  • Symptoms worsen despite eliminating common triggers

You do not need to navigate this alone.

The Bottom Line

Sucrose intolerance is real, underdiagnosed, and manageable with the right support.

If you or your child struggle with unexplained digestive symptoms after eating sweet or carbohydrate rich foods, this is worth exploring.

Small, informed changes can make a big difference in comfort and quality of life.

Kindly,

Renee

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If you’re already navigating this diagnosis, you may find it helpful to read Living With Sucrose Intolerance, where I walk through what day-to-day management really looks like.

Want to Know Where to Start?

If digestive symptoms feel overwhelming, start with:

  • A consistent daily poop routine
  • Hydration support
  • Simple food swaps instead of full elimination

You can explore more step by step guidance on the Start Here page.

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