Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI)
Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI) is a very rare congenital defect of the fructose metabolism, which results in hypoglycemia and serious damage to the liver and kidneys. HFI patients suffer severe symptoms, usually starting in their first year of life. Many people, but by no means all of them, take a disliking to anything sweet (fruit or vegetables), which is the body's natural defense mechanism against eating fructose. In contrast to fructose malabsorption, a low-fructose diet is of no use if someone suffers from fructose intolerance; their intake must be strictly fructose-free.
People suspected of suffering from HFI should be warned against taking a Hydrogen Breath Test before any suspicious factors are cleared up; serious hypoglycemic reactions may occur during the test.
Hereditary fructose intolerance can, among other things, be diagnosed by molecular genetic analysis.
Please see our sugars products for more information about the types of sweeteners suitable for those with HFI.