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Sucrose Intolerance: an Overlooked Cause of Digestive Disorders
In conclusion
Disaccharidase deficiency is an underrecognized cause of digestive disorders, yet recent studies suggest it is likely more common than previously thought — particularly among individuals with symptoms consistent with IBS who do not respond to standard treatments.
Fortunately, appropriate diagnosis and personalized management can often alleviate symptoms while allowing for a varied diet. The goal is generally not to completely eliminate sucrose or starchy foods, but rather to identify tolerable intake levels that reduce symptoms while preserving the enjoyment of eating and maintaining a balanced diet.
*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.
Viswanathan et Rao (2023). Intestinal disaccharidase deficiency in adults: Evaluation and treatment. Current Gastroenterology Reports, 25, 134–139.
Cash, Patel et Scarlata (2025). Demystifying carbohydrate maldigestion: A clinical review. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 120(Suppl. 1), 1–11.
Rao et al (2025). Clinical insights into disaccharidase deficiency: Prevalence, intestinal histology, and outcomes. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 100(12), 2267–2270.
Danialifar et al (2024). Genetic and acquired sucrase-isomaltase deficiency: A clinical review. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 78(4), 774–782.
Poltiyelova et al (2026). Disaccharidase testing and clinical outcomes: A retrospective study. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 39(3), 401–404.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
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