Sucrose is a specific type of sugar that is digested and broken down by the sucrose-isomaltose enzyme complex located throughout the small bowel. The deficiency of the sucrose-isomaltose enzyme complex is resulting in sucrose intolerance and is oftentimes associated with maltose and isomaltose intolerance. Sucrose intolerance is the result of a deficiency in sucrose-isomaltose enzymes.

Some patients have a congenital sucrose-isomaltose deficiency (CSID) while others acquire a deficiency later in life.

Acquired sucrose intolerance may develop in a person with a healthy small intestine during episodes of acute or chronic illness such as small bowel inflammation. This occurs because of mucosal damage or from medications.

Congenital Sucrose-Isomaltose Deficiency (CSID) is inherited and passed through the genes.

Experts estimate that about 10% percent of the world's population is sucrose-deficient and that about 5% are affected by congenital sucrose-isomaltose deficiency (CSID).

When sucrase-isomaltase enzymes are absent or deficient, non-absorbed sucrose molecules enter the colon where they are fermented, leading to the excessive production of short-chain fatty acids and gases such as hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide.

This in turn can lead to abdominal bloating, distension, gaseous, fullness, flatulence, cramping, pain, nausea, excessive flatulence, and osmotic diarrhea.

Symptomatic variability is dependent on the amount of ingested sucrose, maltose, isomaltose as well as the residual enzyme activity, and the small bowel transit time.

·     The hydrogen breath test is based on the premise that when patients fail to digest sucrose in the small intestine, non-absorbed sucrose will reach the colon where sucrose is fermented by the intestinal flora producing hydrogen and/or methane that diffuses into the circulation and is ultimately expired in the breath.

·     A hydrogen breath test requires about 3 hours of investigation and collecting breath samples every 30 minutes.

·     We offer you this breath test at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

·     You can contact us for an appointment (mobile no. 056-329 9935).

The prognosis of patients with sucrose intolerance is excellent with dietary restrictions.

Please, check the food list below.