Knowledge

Does Sugar Cause Gas?

Yes, sugar can cause gas due to its fermentation in the gut by bacteria, leading to gas production.

When we eat foods with sugar (like sucrose, fructose or lactose) our bodies digest it and the sugar travels to the large intestine. These bacteria ferment the sugar which can make gas like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide.1 If you have trouble digesting some sugars like lactose you may feel bloating and gas after eating dairy products.2 Everyone’s body makes a different amount of gas depending on things like the kinds of bacteria in your gut and the type and amount of sugar you eat. You can help reduce gas by being mindful of how much sugar you eat and by knowing how much your body can tolerate.

References

  1. Gas and gas pains-Gas and gas pains—Symptoms & causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 16 April 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/symptoms-causes/syc-20372709
  2. Lactose Intolerance—NIDDK. (2024, January 30). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance

On this page