Fructan Issue

Hello, I have been doing a bit of online research and I think I may be sensitive to frucatans. It will explain why I cannot eat low fodmap foods such as gluten free oats. Is there anybody who is sensitive to fructans? I was wondering how you cope and what you eat. I do have an appointment to see my GP next week so I am seeking medical advice. Thank you for reading.

[Hidden]

Hello Hidden

I have done a lot of research on this subject and my excellent dietician has passed me a number of scientific studies.

During the height of my SIBO and IBS I had major reaction to some grains. Not only did it increase my IBS symptoms it also appeared to be a trigger of dramatic blood sugar drops, some bad enough to cause fainting.

I was tested for celiacs during an endoscopy and underwent a glucose tolerance test which confirmed that I seemed to produce a high amount of insulin...who wouldn't drinking a glucose solution on an empty stomach!

Unfortunately both the mainstream GI and Endocrinologist were at a loss to determine the cause and predictively reached for the prescription pad to treat the symptoms!!

I started to read about non celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and it made sense for my problem. I only had to look at a packet of wheat pasta to feel faint! 😊

So for some time I avoided gluten grains, until, I reached the fructan list during the reintroduction phase of my last FODMAP diet. My present team of specialists both subscribed to believing of the existence of NCGS and that I might be a candidate.

My Dietician had read a paper on sourdough bread and researched the constant parts of a Waitrose variety. Turns out the Waitrose own "Number 1" brand Spelt Sourdough bread is high in gluten's but low in Fructan's.

So day one saw me timidly eat one slice, followed by 2 on day two , 3 on day three and so on and so forth...no reaction at all!

The theory is (or was as I'm IBS/SIBO free now!) that I was indeed sensitive to Fructans and not Gluten. It also maybe true that these conditions may only be prevalent during IBS in some but in others it is a permanent problem

Turns out the blood sugar thing is due to a pancreatic enzyme deficiency...what do [some] specialist know eh!

I have read several papers on the subject and it is thought to effect people in the same way as NCGS, fructan sensitivity that is, and that fructose sensitivity is evident is some too. It effects non-IBS and suffers alike. Unfortunately the NHS and mainstream private medicine don't accept it's prevalence because a reliable test is not available...or should that be devised yet!

So the moral of this story is - eat Waitrose Sourdough and test for gluten sensitivity...then consider fructans which as I am sure you know are prevalent in wheat, garlic, onions and leek...to name but a few.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much for your detailed response. I am so happy you are symptom free now. I have noticed that the NHS do seem to have very little knowledge on this subject.