Causes of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance

Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance Information Center

What causes Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance (CCI)?

Complex carbohydrates are the sugars found in many healthy foods, such as beans and other legumes, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These sugars are very different from the simple carbohydrates found in table sugar, white flour and many processed foods. Complex carbohydrates are instead made up of long chains of sugars that must be broken down, in order to be digested and used by the body for energy.¹

Digestion takes place in the small intestine. And while the small intestine does contain a number of enzymes that aid in digestion, the human body doesn't have a certain enzyme, called alpha -galactosidase, that can break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that the body can more easily absorb. As a result, these unabsorbed, undigested sugars move into the large intestine, where they ferment. This produces hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gasses.¹ The term Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance (CCI) was introduced in a recent medical journal article to describe the range of symptoms that can occur when such gasses are produced.²

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of CCI are:

Flatulence
Abdominal pain
Cramping²
Bloating
Burping
Gastrointestinal discomfort³

Note, the symptoms of CCI can be similar to symptoms of more serious conditions, including cardiac events. Consult your doctor with any questions about your medical health.³

Problem Foods

Although complex carbohydrates are a healthy addition to the daily diet, many people experience discomfort after eating them, including:

Beans and other legumes (including peas and lentils)
A number of different vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Breads
Cereals²

For a more complete list of foods that can cause CCI, click here.

Click here to read more about preventing CCI.

References: 1 Worthington RE, Beauchat L.R. Alpha-galactosidase activity of fungi on intestinal gas-forming peanut oligosaccharides. J Agric Food Chem. 1974;22:1063-1066. 2 Levine B, Weisman S. Enzyme Replacement as an Effective Treatment for the Common Symptoms of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance. Nutrition in Clinical Care. 2004. 3 Fink RN, Lembo AJ. Intestinal gas. Curr Treat Options Gasteroenterol. 2001;4:333-337.