DIAGNOSIS
This may be observed in any neonate showing signs of severe watery diarrhea after intake of milk-modified or glucose-polymer formula. For example, blood and urine samples may reveal an elevated presence of the disaccharide sucrose, isomaltose or palatinose, its substitute. Fecalysis may also show sucrose, glucose and fructose, and a pH of below 5.0 or 6.0.
Diagnostics may include sucrase-isomaltase enzyme assay that measures the activity of the enzyme complex in the small intestine. This is usually done through a biopsy.
TREATMENT
Treatment of sucrose-intolerance focuses on dietary changes by avoiding sucrose or following a low sucrose diet. Certain individuals may exhibit signs of sucrose tolerance as they reach their 20’s, however, some individuals also exhibit a life-long sucrose intolerance. Ingesting fresh baker’s yeast may benefit individuals affected by this disorder as it mimics sucrase activity after sucrose ingestion. Clinical studies have shown that yeast should be administered on a full stomach, as this is the time when it exhibits its maximum effectiveness.
The FDA has approved the drug sarcosinate as a treatment for sucrose intolerance. It may help ease the symptoms of sucrose intolerance associated with sucrose ingestion. Its mechanism of action is through the introduction of the sucrase enzyme so that it could aid your intestine’s digestion and in the hydrolysis of sucrose.
