What is Sucrose Intolerance?

Much like other forms of nutrient intolerance, such as lactose intolerance (milk sugar intolerance), or gluten intolerance (celiac disease), Sucrose Intolerance is the inability or reduced ability to digest sucrose (table sugar). The digestive enzymes, sucrase and isomaltase, are responsible for the digestion of certain sugars. Sucrose Intolerance stems from the absence or reduced levels of these two enzymes, resulting in a disruption of the digestive process and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort after eating foods containing sugars. Sucrose Intolerance manifests in GI discomfort and symptoms following the consumption of sucrose-containing foods.

When inherited, this disorder is also known as Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) and is equally prevalent in males and females. This disorder may sometimes be referred to as disaccharide intolerance.