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Carbohydrate malabsorption following fruit juice ingestion in young children

J S Hyams1, N L Etienne, A M Leichtner

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut 06115.

Pediatrics
|July 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Fruit juices containing sorbitol can cause carbohydrate malabsorption in children, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. Breath hydrogen tests revealed significant malabsorption with pear and apple juices, and some cases with grape juice.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Chronic nonspecific diarrhea is common in children.
  • Fruit juices are frequently consumed by children.
  • Sorbitol is a common ingredient in some fruit juices and can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate carbohydrate malabsorption in children after ingesting fruit juices and sorbitol.
  • To assess the association between breath hydrogen excretion and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • To compare malabsorption in healthy children versus those with chronic nonspecific diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Breath hydrogen analyses were performed on healthy children and children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea.
  • Subjects ingested pear, grape, and apple juices, and a 2% sorbitol solution.
  • Excess breath hydrogen excretion was measured as an indicator of carbohydrate malabsorption.

Main Results:

  • Virtually all subjects showed excess breath hydrogen after pear juice (2% sorbitol) and 2% sorbitol solution.
  • Approximately 50% of subjects showed malabsorption with apple juice (0.5% sorbitol), and 25% with grape juice (no sorbitol).
  • Forty percent of subjects with excess hydrogen excretion reported diarrhea and abdominal cramping; no significant differences were observed between healthy children and those with diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Carbohydrate malabsorption is frequent in children after consuming common fruit juices, particularly those containing sorbitol.
  • Sorbitol malabsorption from fruit juices may contribute to nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms in some children.
  • Breath hydrogen testing is a useful tool for diagnosing carbohydrate malabsorption in pediatric populations.

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