However, synthetic fructose is also used as a sweetener in many processed foods, including baby food and formula. It is estimated that hereditary fructose intolerance affects 1 in every 20,000 children worldwide.

Children affected by fructose intolerance develop a powerful protective aversion to sweet tasting foods and drinks. Due to this strong urge to avoid sweet foods, the condition can often go undiagnosed.

Affected individuals lack the enzyme; aldolase B, that digests fructose. Undigested fructose can trigger a range of symptoms such as; abdominal pain, vomiting and unexplained fever. This can lead to a loss of appetite as well as slightly stunted growth. Over time, fructose intolerance can lead to serious kidney and liver damage.

Although there are several different methods available to test for fructose intolerance, most of these tests are often debilitating and can cause pain to the child as they are based on a strategy which provokes specific symptoms. A common alternative requires a small procedure to perform a liver biopsy, an ordeal which can be quite invasive for young children. Our fructose intolerance test provides a simple and non-invasive option to discover whether your child is likely to develop an aversion to fructose. This genetic test can be performed before any symptoms of intolerance begin to show. Therefore, with early diagnosis, fructose intolerance can be successfully treated by dietary modification and damage to the liver, kidneys and small intestine can be avoided.