4-4-4 Sugar Challenge: A Simple At-Home Test for Sucrose Intolerance
Sucrose Intolerance caused by Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) is a disorder that causes a reduction of the enzyme activity needed to break down and absorb table sugar (sucrose) and other sugars from starch. Symptoms of CSID include chronic, watery diarrhea, gassiness, bloating, abdominal pain, and even constipation. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Infants, children, and adults can suffer from the disease.
Diagnosing CSID can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to several other more common gastrointestinal disorders including toddler’s diarrhea, IBS-D, celiac disease, or lactose intolerance. Many people who have ongoing GI symptoms have been searching for answers for months to years, but often CSID is not considered as a possibility. Sucrase deficiency may be more common than previously thought according to recent studies. People who have chronic GI symptoms are seeking answers and may benefit from a simple test that could indicate that CSID is worth exploring as a diagnosis.
There is a simple test that may help a doctor make a diagnosis. If appropriate for the individual, this test can be performed in the privacy of one’s home. It is called the 4-4-4 Sugar Challenge. There are three steps in the challenge:
Step 1: Stir 4 tablespoons of ordinary table sugar into a 4-ounce glass of water. Mix until sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Drink it on an empty stomach.
Step 3: See if symptoms such as bloating, gas and diarrhea occur during the next 4-8 hours; this suggests sucrose intolerance is possible.
There are some important warnings which should be considered before taking the 4-4-4 Sugar Challenge.
- This challenge should not be given to infants, very young children, people with severe symptoms. or people who have diabetes. Someone who is considering the challenge needs to seek guidance from their healthcare provider to make sure they are safely able to handle the challenge.
- The 4-4-4 Sugar Challenge is not a diagnostic test and cannot be used to confirm sucrose intolerance. Only a physician can tell someone if their symptoms are caused by CSID.
- A person taking the 4-4-4 Sugar Challenge may have relatively SEVERE SYMPTOMS. If someone does have Sucrose Intolerance, this challenge may cause relatively severe gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It would be wise to take the challenge on a weekend or day when GI symptoms will not cause the person to miss work or other important events
Chronic GI symptoms can be frustrating and bothersome. A simple test like the 4-4-4 Sugar Challenge for Sucrose Intolerance may provide useful information for people to share with their doctor.