Does Syrup Give You Diarrhea? Understanding the Sweet Connection

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, unabsorbed sugars can draw extra water into your intestines, which can lead to diarrhea. This fact is at the heart of the question, 'Does syrup give you diarrhea?', as the high sugar content in many syrups, especially fructose and sugar alcohols, can overwhelm the digestive system and cause a host of unpleasant symptoms.

Quick Summary

Different types of syrups, including high-fructose corn syrup and those containing sugar alcohols, can trigger digestive distress and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. This occurs when the intestines fail to absorb sugars properly, causing water to be drawn into the bowel and leading to a laxative effect. Individual sensitivities, gut microbiome composition, and the specific ingredients in the syrup are key factors that influence this reaction.

Key Points

Fructose Malabsorption: High-fructose corn syrup can cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals because the gut fails to absorb the high fructose content, leading to fermentation in the colon.
Osmotic Laxative Effect: Sugar-free syrups containing sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol are poorly absorbed and create an osmotic effect, drawing water into the intestines and causing diarrhea.
Individual Sensitivity is Key: Your gut microbiome and individual digestive enzymes dictate your tolerance for different sugars and sweeteners, so a reaction to syrup is not universal.
Check Labels for Hidden Culprits: Be aware of hidden sources of high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods and check for ingredients ending in '-ol' in sugar-free products.
Even Natural Sugars Can Cause Issues: For those with specific enzyme deficiencies, like sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, even natural sugars in maple syrup can lead to digestive problems.
Excessive Intake is a Factor: Regardless of the sugar type, consuming large quantities of any syrup can overwhelm the digestive system and lead to a laxative effect.

Unpacking the Sweet Problem: Why Syrup Causes Diarrhea

Syrups are concentrated liquids that contain significant amounts of sugar. While a small amount may be harmless for most, certain ingredients and high consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. The culprits are often poorly absorbed sugars that create an osmotic effect, pulling water into the intestines. This can happen with various types of syrup, from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in processed foods to sugar alcohols used in diet products.

The Role of Fructose in High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a key ingredient in many processed foods and beverages, including cheap pancake syrups. Fructose is a sugar that, for some people, is not properly absorbed by the digestive system, a condition known as fructose malabsorption. When unabsorbed fructose reaches the colon, it is fermented by gut bacteria, which can cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and, ultimately, diarrhea. For individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), HFCS can be a major trigger for flare-ups.

Common sources of high-fructose corn syrup:

Sodas and sports drinks
Pre-packaged baked goods and snacks
Certain breakfast cereals
Many condiments, including ketchup and BBQ sauce

The Laxative Effect of Sugar Alcohols

For those who reach for 'sugar-free' or diet syrups, the problem often lies with sugar alcohols (polyols). Common examples include sorbitol, xylitol, and maltitol. These are used as low-calorie sweeteners because they are not completely absorbed by the body. Like unabsorbed fructose, sugar alcohols also draw water into the intestines, resulting in an osmotic laxative effect. This is why products containing high amounts of polyols are often required by law to carry a warning label stating that excessive consumption may produce a laxative effect.

Foods and products containing sugar alcohols:

Sugar-free candies and chewing gum
Diet sodas and beverages
Reduced-sugar snacks and desserts
Some liquid medicines

Natural Sugars vs. Processed Sweeteners

While processed syrups are often the cause of digestive issues, even natural sweeteners like maple syrup can be problematic for some. Genuine maple syrup is high in sucrose, and individuals with a sucrase-isomaltase deficiency may have trouble breaking it down, leading to diarrhea. Similarly, honey, which is also high in fructose, can cause issues for those with fructose malabsorption. This highlights that it's not just artificial ingredients but the type and quantity of sugar that determines the effect on your digestive system.

Comparison Table: Syrups and Their Potential for Diarrhea


Syrup Type	Primary Sugar(s)	Mechanism for Diarrhea	Who is at Risk?	Typical Products
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Fructose and Glucose	Fructose malabsorption and fermentation by gut bacteria.	Individuals with fructose intolerance or IBS.	Sodas, commercial pancake syrups, processed snacks.
Sugar-Free Syrups	Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltitol	Osmotic effect pulls water into the colon.	Anyone who consumes large amounts; dosage is key.	Diet drinks, sugar-free gum, dietetic candies.
Maple Syrup	Sucrose	Sucrase-isomaltase enzyme deficiency inhibits absorption.	Individuals with sucrose intolerance.	Authentic maple syrup; less common issue.
Honey	Fructose and Glucose	High fructose content can overwhelm absorption capacity.	Those with fructose malabsorption.	All honey products.

Gut Microbiome and Individual Sensitivity

The composition of your gut microbiome plays a significant role in how you react to different sugars and sweeteners. The balance of bacteria in the small and large intestines helps break down food, and variations between individuals can lead to differing tolerances. Some people may have no issues with HFCS, while others experience a strong reaction due to the fermentation process in their colon. This means that while a specific syrup might affect one person, it may be completely fine for another. For those with a sensitive digestive system or pre-existing conditions like IBS, understanding these individual sensitivities is crucial for managing symptoms.

What to Do If Syrup Gives You Diarrhea

If you suspect that syrup is causing your digestive issues, there are several steps you can take:

Identify the trigger: Pay close attention to ingredients lists. Note whether your symptoms appear after consuming products with HFCS, sugar alcohols like sorbitol, or even large quantities of natural sweeteners.
Limit intake: Reduce your consumption of products containing these potential irritants. This is especially true for sugar-free products that often contain high levels of polyols.
Read labels carefully: Sugar alcohols are not always obvious. Check for ingredients ending in '-ol', such as sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol.
Choose alternatives: Some natural sweeteners are lower in fructose and may be better tolerated. Additionally, consider alternatives to sugar-free products that use sweeteners known for their laxative effect.
Consult a professional: If you frequently experience digestive issues, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian to investigate potential food intolerances like fructose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.

Conclusion: Navigating Syrups for Better Digestive Health

The link between syrup and diarrhea is real, primarily due to unabsorbed sugars like fructose and sugar alcohols, which can cause an osmotic effect in the gut. While High-Fructose Corn Syrup can be particularly problematic for those with fructose intolerance, sugar-free syrups containing polyols like sorbitol are also common culprits. Individual digestive sensitivity and the composition of your gut microbiome mean that a reaction to syrup can vary from person to person. The key to avoiding an emergency trip to the bathroom is being an informed consumer. By understanding which types of syrup trigger your symptoms and being mindful of your intake, you can enjoy sweet treats without the digestive distress. For those with ongoing issues, identifying the root cause with a healthcare provider is the best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many people, the body struggles to absorb and process large amounts of fructose, a condition called fructose malabsorption. The unabsorbed fructose ferments in the colon, which can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Sugar-free syrups frequently use sugar alcohols (polyols) like sorbitol and xylitol. These are poorly absorbed by the body and act as osmotic laxatives, drawing water into the intestines and loosening bowel movements.

While natural maple syrup contains sucrose, which is typically better tolerated than HFCS, individuals with a specific sucrase-isomaltase deficiency may still experience diarrhea. Excessive intake of any syrup, including maple, can still cause digestive issues.

An osmotic laxative, which is how sugar alcohols function, draws extra water into the colon to soften stool. This differs from other causes like infections or food poisoning, which can cause diarrhea through inflammatory processes or toxins.

If you consistently experience symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming products with high fructose content, you may have fructose malabsorption. A healthcare professional can perform a breath test to confirm this diagnosis.

To avoid syrup-induced diarrhea, read ingredient labels carefully, limit your intake of products with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols, and observe how your body reacts to different types of sweeteners.

Honey is naturally high in fructose and can cause digestive issues for individuals with fructose malabsorption, similar to HFCS. Your tolerance will depend on your individual sensitivity to fructose.