Is dextrose low FODMAP? Dietitian’s answer

‘Is dextrose low FODMAP?’

Read on to learn more about dextrose and what you can find it in. 

You can find out how you can incorporate dextrose into your low FODMAP diet, by reading how dextrose is made up. 

With so many types of ways to sweeten your food and drinks, we will cover other types of sugars, syrups and sweeteners that you may come across too.

WHAT IS DEXTROSE?

Dextrose is a naturally occurring simple sugar which comes from corn (1). It can also be known as corn starch. 

Simple sugars are the most basic forms of sugar called monosaccharides, and they cannot be broken down any further by your body. 

You may find dextrose has been added to some of your foods such as sauces or jams as it provides a sweet taste.

Dextrose has a high glycemic index, meaning it can quickly release energy into your body.

WHICH FOODS IS DEXTROSE FOUND IN?

You can find dextrose in a variety of foods and drinks, which include:

• Baked goods and snacks, such as cookies, pretzels, and cakes
• Sweetened drinks 
• Corn syrup 
• Sports drinks 

You can also find dextrose in medical and sporting applications, such as:

• Intravenous drips or solutions for medical reasons 
• Total parenteral nutrition for people with medical conditions requiring nutrition support 
• Emergency treatments to increase blood sugar levels 

Dextrose can be bought at the store, in a gel or tablet form, from over the counter in pharmacies. You may buy a gel or tablet form of dextrose if you need a fast release of energy.

IS DEXTROSE LOW FODMAP?

As dextrose is a type of simple sugar, you will not find any FODMAPs in it, making it a suitable choice when following the low FODMAP diet (2). 

FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits in susceptible people with IBS. 

Click on this link for more information about following the low FODMAP diet.

IS SUGAR LOW FODMAP?

There are different types of sugar (white, brown, palm, icing sugar). 

Sugar is low in all FODMAPs, and you can incorporate it into your low FODMAP diet. 

It is unlikely that sugar will cause gastrointestinal symptoms, as it is easily absorbed in your small bowel. 

Some naturally occurring sugars inside foods and drinks, such as lactose and fructose do contain FODMAPs.

IS SYRUP LOW FODMAP? 

You will find that some syrups contain dextrose in them. 

Although dextrose is low in FODMAPs, syrups can also contain other ingredients too, which can make them unsuitable for a low FODMAP diet. 

We’ve put together some articles on specific types of syrups.

• Is corn syrup low FODMAP? (includes common brands)
• Is maple syrup low FODMAP? (5 recipes included)

Is dextrose bad for your health?

Despite being naturally occuring, dextrose is usually considered as an added sugar as it is added to foods to increase their sweetness.

Excess sugar consumption can lead to long-term health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular disease (3).

Sugar consumption can also lead to shorter term health issues like dental decay.

ARE SWEETENERS LOW FODMAP?

Some sweeteners are low FODMAP whilst others are not. 

For information about other types of sweeteners, we’ve put together other articles:

• The stevia IBS link
• Is sucralose FODMAP Friendly? (+ microbiome impact).(aka Splenda)

SUMMARY

Dextrose is a type of simple sugar, found in foods, drinks and medical products. 

The good news is that you can include dextrose in your low FODMAP diet. 

Moderation is key, as dextrose is sugar and with any type of sugar or sweetener, it should be part of a healthy, balanced diet.