---
title: Does trouble digesting fructose cause depression? | Niyora
description: This small study found that people who couldn't absorb fructose well had higher depression scores, especially women. But the study can't prove fructose malabs
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/fructose-malabsorption-is-associated-with-early-signs-of-mental-depression-1998/
---

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- Does trouble digesting fructose cause depression?

Survey study, 1998

# Does trouble digesting fructose cause depression?

This small study found that people who couldn't absorb fructose well had higher depression scores, especially women. But the study can't prove fructose malabsorption causes depression.

 Early or limited evidence

55 adults with unexplained digestive problems (43 women)

## What they did

55 adults with digestive problems were given 50g of fructose, had their breath tested to measure absorption, and completed a depression questionnaire.

## What they found

36 of 55 people (65.5%) had fructose malabsorption. Those with malabsorption scored significantly higher on depression measures than those without, particularly women.

## What it means for you

The study suggests a possible link between fructose malabsorption and depression, especially in women. It's small with no control group, so it can't prove cause and effect. More research is needed.

55

Total participants

36 (65.5%)

With fructose malabsorption

43

Women in the study

## About the study

Original title Fructose malabsorption is associated with early signs of mental depression Authors Ledochowski M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Widner B et al. Journal European journal of medical research Year 1998 Study design Survey study Participants 55 What was tested Fructose absorption test with 50g fructose Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9620891/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9620891/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[IBS and gut symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-ibs-gi/)

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Do women with IBS and period problems have worse psychological symptoms?

Case-control study, 2006

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Interview study, 1996

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