Living with HFI
Practical information for everyday life
HFI is lifelong, but with the right information and careful dietary management, people with HFI can live well.
How is HFI treated?
There is no treatment as such, but someone with HFI can stay healthy and well as long as they stick to a diet free of fructose, sucrose and sorbitol. This diet is our lifesaver, but is often misunderstood, even by dieticians. The normal "healthy" diet is poisonous for individuals with HFI. Eating out can be difficult.
Someone with HFI must avoid eating or drinking anything containing fructose, sucrose or sorbitol. This means no fruit, hardly any vegetables, no nuts, nothing containing sugar or honey.
Ultimately, ensuring your safety requires a combination of personal vigilance, monitoring what goes into your mouth, and clear communication with food providers.
Eating out can be challenging. Restaurant staff may never have encountered HFI before, so it’s important to explain the condition clearly and ask about ingredients, sauces, marinades and dressings.
Travelling abroad adds another challenge, but with preparation it can be manageable. Carry written information, check ingredients and keep safe food available when travelling.
Explaining HFI in another language
Equal Eats provides cards or an app for you to show in any restaurant or food premises to highlight Fructose Intolerance. It can be translated into any of over 50 different languages. Use code HFISUPPORT for a 10% discount off your Equal Eats card purchase.
We are working with Equal Eats to make a specific HFI card. In the meantime, the Fructose Intolerance version is helpful.
The HFI diet is different
Foods that are normally considered “healthy” may not be safe for someone with HFI.
Fructose, sucrose and sorbitol are found in many everyday foods and drinks, and are also widely used in processed foods, medicines and supplements. Careful label checking is essential.
Medicines matter too
Some medicines, syrups and supplements can contain fructose, sucrose or sorbitol. Always tell healthcare professionals and pharmacists that you have HFI.
Babies, children and school
Make sure that anyone caring for your child understands HFI. Nurseries, schools and other carers should know which foods and drinks are safe and what to do if your child becomes unwell.
Nutrition and growing up
Because the HFI diet can be restrictive, specialist dietary advice can help ensure that nutritional needs are met, particularly during childhood.
If something goes wrong
Severe symptoms after possible exposure require urgent medical assessment. This can include vomiting, marked lethargy, seizures or loss of consciousness.
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Your support helps us provide information, resources and a community for people affected by Hereditary Fructose Intolerance.
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