Frequently asked questions
We have compiled all the information you need about food intolerances, nutrition, our products and shopping with us. Choose the topic that interests you and quickly find the answers to your questions.
Intolerances
What are food intolerances?
Food intolerances are reactions of the body to certain foods or ingredients because it cannot digest or process them. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating.
What are the most common food intolerances?
The most common food intolerances include lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance and sorbitol intolerance.
Why do food intolerances occur?
Intolerances can be due to a lack of enzymes needed to digest certain food components or a sensitivity to additives or natural substances contained in the food.
Is a food allergy the same as a food intolerance?
No, food allergies are a reaction of the immune system to a specific substance. Even small amounts of the food that causes the allergy can trigger severe symptoms. Food intolerances, on the other hand, occur when the body has difficulty digesting or metabolising a food without the immune system being involved. They are therefore unpleasant, but generally less dangerous.
Who treats food allergies and intolerances?
Gastroenterologists, allergists and nutritionists are the professionals who can diagnose and treat food allergies and intolerances.
What is fructose?
Fructose is a type of sugar found in many fruits, vegetables and honey.
Which foods contain fructose?
Fructose is found in fruit, some vegetables, in products sweetened with syrup and in many ready meals. Frusano offers a wide range of fructose-free products, ideal for anyone who wants to live healthier.
What diseases cause fructose intolerance?
There are two main diseases associated with fructose: fructose malabsorption, in which the intestine cannot absorb fructose properly, and hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a genetic disease that requires special attention due to its impact on general health.
How can fructose intolerance cause hypoglycaemia?
In HFI, the accumulation of fructose in the liver interferes with glucose production, which can lead to hypoglycaemia.
How is fructose intolerance treated?
The most important treatment is a low-fructose diet in which foods containing fructose are avoided.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine.
What symptoms or pain does lactose intolerance cause?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products.
What test is carried out to diagnose lactose intolerance?
A blood test or hydrogen breath test is usually used to diagnose lactose intolerance.
When does lactose intolerance occur?
Lactose intolerance can occur at any time in life, although it is more common in adulthood.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
The treatment for lactose intolerance is to reduce or eliminate the consumption of lactose-containing products and in some cases to take lactase supplements.
How can gluten intolerance be diagnosed?
Gluten intolerance is diagnosed by serological tests, such as a blood analysis, and, if necessary, by an intestinal biopsy.
What foods should I avoid if I have a gluten intolerance?
If you have a gluten intolerance, you should avoid foods containing Wheat, Oat, Barley, Rye and their derivatives. Gluten is an allergen that must be labelled and can be found in the list of ingredients.
Is it possible to have a gluten intolerance without having coeliac disease?
Yes, there is non-celiac gluten sensitivity, where people have similar symptoms without suffering from coeliac disease.
What are the symptoms of wheat intolerance?
Symptoms include digestive problems, fatigue and joint pain after eating products containing wheat.
Is Wheat the same as gluten?
No, Wheat contains gluten, but gluten is also found in other grains such as barley and rye.
What is histamine and how does it affect the body in the event of an intolerance?
Histamine is a substance that is involved in immune reactions. In people with a histamine intolerance, its accumulation can cause symptoms such as headaches, hives and digestive problems.
Why does histamine increase and how can it be reduced?
Histamine can increase due to the consumption of histamine-rich foods or a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). To reduce it, it is recommended to avoid such foods and in some cases to take DAO supplements.
Which foods should be avoided if you have a histamine intolerance?
Fermented foods, processed meats, aged cheeses and certain fish are rich in histamine and should therefore be avoided. For more information, it is advisable to consult a doctor to find out which products should be removed from your diet.
What is sorbitol?
Sorbitol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) found in some fruits. It is used in sugar-free products because it has a lower impact on blood sugar levels than other sugars.
Which foods contain sorbitol?
Sorbitol is often found in sugar-free chewing gum and sweets. It is also naturally present in some fruits such as apples, plums, apricots and pears. It can also be used in baked goods as a humectant.
What symptoms can sorbitol cause in people with an intolerance?
Sorbitol intolerance can lead to symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Nutrition
What is the difference between sugar and fructose?
Household sugar (sucrose) consists of two types of sugar: glucose and fructose. Glucose is absorbed quickly, while fructose is processed in the liver.
Which foods can be eaten without fructose?
For those who need to avoid fructose, it is advisable to choose foods that are specifically designed to be low-fructose or fructose-free. Frusano offers a variety of fructose-free products such as chocolate, jellied candy, fruit spreads and drinks. There are also recipes that are suitable for a low-fructose diet and can be very helpful.
What happens if someone with a fructose intolerance consumes fructose?
The consumption of fructose can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in people with an intolerance. In order to maintain a good quality of life, it is important to maintain an appropriate diet and to know your own tolerance threshold.
What is FODMAP and what does it mean?
FODMAP stands for "fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols" It refers to a group of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can cause digestive problems in sensitive people.
How do you recognise if you have a FODMAP intolerance?
FODMAP intolerance manifests itself through symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation. If these symptoms occur frequently, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a detailed examination.
What does a low FODMAP diet involve?
A low FODMAP diet involves temporarily reducing or eliminating foods rich in these carbohydrates and then gradually reintroducing them to see which ones are well tolerated. This diet is often used to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Which foods are low in FODMAPs and how do they affect digestion?
Low FODMAP foods include certain fruits (e.g. strawberries), vegetables (e.g. cooked carrots and cucumbers), animal proteins (chicken and fish) and gluten-free grains (rice and gluten-free Oat). These foods can be easier to digest and help to reduce digestive symptoms in sensitive people.
What are probiotics and how do they affect health?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can have health benefits such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
When is it advisable to take probiotics?
It is advisable to take probiotics during and after antibiotic treatments, in case of digestive disorders or to maintain a healthy intestinal flora.
What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are indigestible fibres that serve as food for these bacteria and promote their growth and activity in the gut.
Products
What types of drinks does Frusano offer without added sugar?
Frusano offers a variety of sugar-free drinks, including stevia-sweetened iced teas in flavours such as lime, peach and cherry, as well as elderflower and blackcurrant syrups.
Do the drinks from Frusano contain artificial Sweeteners?
No, Frusano syrups do not contain any artificial sweeteners.
Does Frusano offer fructose-free snacks?
Yes, Frusano offers a variety of chocolates and other low-fructose snacks, such as biscuits, muesli bars and mini waffles.
Are the snacks from Frusano suitable for a lactose-free diet?
Many of the snacks from Frusano are suitable for a lactose-free diet. However, it is recommended that you check the labelling of each product to see whether it is suitable for consumption by lactose intolerant people.
Are the spreads from Frusano suitable for diabetics?
Frusano Spreads are sweetened with glucose syrup and dextrose. It is recommended that people with diabetes consult their doctor before including them in their diet.
Do Frusano spreads contain gluten or traces of gluten?
Frusano Spreads do not contain gluten.
What are the benefits of Frusano food supplements for digestion?
Frusano offers products such as the"Fructo-Biotic Daily Shot", a probiotic food supplement that can help maintain healthy intestinal flora and support digestion.
How should the food supplements from Frusano be taken?
It is recommended to follow the instructions on the packaging of each Frusano food supplement and to consult a doctor if in doubt.
Purchase and distribution
Where can I buy Frusano products?
Frusano the products are available online and in various shops specialising in healthy and organic food and fructose-free products.
How can I contact customer service at Frusano?
You can contact our customer service by email at customercare@frusano.com.
How can I sell Frusano products in my business?
If you have a business and are interested in selling Frusano products, you can contact our sales team via our contact section for detailed information on how to become a distributor.
Where can I get more information about the food intolerances covered by Frusano for commercial use?
You can request our distributor catalogue via info@Frusano.com, where you will find detailed information about the Frusano product range and how it can help people with special dietary needs. You can also contact us if you need further advice or information material tailored to your business.
