What are the Side Effects of Eating Jackfruit?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, jackfruit contains bioactive compounds that can offer health benefits, but also has potential negative side effects depending on an individual's health status. It is important to know what are the side effects of eating jackfruit and when you should limit or avoid it to prevent adverse reactions.

Quick Summary

Jackfruit, while nutritious, can cause digestive problems like bloating and diarrhea when consumed in excess due to its high fiber content. It also poses risks for individuals with allergies, specific medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, and those on certain medications. Potential reactions range from oral allergy syndrome to a dangerous buildup of potassium.

Key Points

Digestive Distress: Eating too much jackfruit, especially the seeds raw, can lead to bloating, gas, stomach pain, and potentially diarrhea due to high fiber and antinutrient content.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals with birch pollen or latex allergies are at a higher risk for a cross-reactive allergy to jackfruit, which can manifest as oral allergy syndrome or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Blood Sugar Management: Ripe jackfruit is high in natural sugars and can affect blood glucose levels. Diabetics should consume it in moderation and monitor their blood sugar.
Kidney Disease Risk: The high potassium content in jackfruit makes it potentially dangerous for people with chronic kidney disease, as it can cause hyperkalemia, a severe electrolyte imbalance.
Medication Interactions: Jackfruit can interact with blood-thinning and diabetes medications, affecting blood clotting or lowering blood sugar too much. It should be avoided before surgery.
Precaution for Pregnancy: Though generally safe in moderation, pregnant women should consult their doctor before eating jackfruit and opt for ripe, cooked versions to avoid digestive issues.
Nutrient Absorption Inhibition: Raw jackfruit seeds contain antinutrients that can hinder the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc. These seeds must be cooked before consumption.

Common Digestive Issues from Jackfruit

Jackfruit is known for its high fiber content, which is beneficial for most people's digestive health, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. However, when consumed in excessive amounts, this same high fiber can overwhelm the digestive system and lead to unpleasant side effects.

Bloating and gas: Overconsumption can cause a buildup of gas in the intestines, leading to a feeling of fullness and bloating.
Diarrhea or constipation: While generally used to combat constipation, too much jackfruit fiber can have the opposite effect, causing diarrhea in some and worsening constipation in others.
Indigestion: Eating large quantities, especially on an empty stomach, can trigger indigestion and stomach cramps.
Inhibited digestion from raw seeds: The seeds of jackfruit contain antinutrients, such as tannins and trypsin inhibitors, that can interfere with protein digestion and mineral absorption. It is crucial to cook jackfruit seeds thoroughly by boiling or roasting before consumption to deactivate these compounds and make them safe to eat.

Considerations for people with allergies

For some, the side effects of eating jackfruit are not merely digestive but allergic. Jackfruit is in the same plant family as figs and mulberries and can cause cross-reactive allergic reactions.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS): Individuals with a birch pollen or latex allergy have an increased risk of developing OAS after eating jackfruit. Symptoms typically include itching or tingling in the mouth, throat swelling, and lip swelling.
Latex-Fruit Syndrome: For those with a latex allergy, a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. Allergic reactions can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Risk Factors: The risk of an allergic reaction is higher with raw, unripe jackfruit compared to cooked preparations, as heat can denature some of the allergenic proteins.

Jackfruit and its Effects on Specific Health Conditions

Beyond digestive and allergic reactions, jackfruit can pose specific risks for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Diabetes: Ripe jackfruit contains a significant amount of natural sugars, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise, although its fiber content helps moderate the increase. People with diabetes must monitor their intake, and those on diabetes medication should be aware that jackfruit might further lower blood sugar, potentially causing it to drop too low.
Kidney Disease: Jackfruit is high in potassium. For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney failure, the kidneys may not be able to effectively filter excess potassium from the blood. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of potassium, a condition called hyperkalemia, which can result in paralysis or a heart attack.
Medication Interactions: Aside from diabetes medication, jackfruit may interact with other drugs. Jackfruit seeds, in particular, may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin. Furthermore, when combined with sedatives, jackfruit may cause excessive sleepiness and slow breathing.
Pregnancy: While considered safe in moderation, and providing essential nutrients like Vitamin C, some medical professionals advise caution for pregnant women. Unripe jackfruit, in particular, may cause digestive distress. Consultation with a doctor is always recommended.

Ripe vs. Unripe Jackfruit Comparison Table


Aspect	Ripe Jackfruit	Unripe Jackfruit (Young)
Flavor	Sweet, tropical taste (like pineapple, banana)	Neutral flavor, similar to a vegetable
Texture	Soft, fruity, and fibrous	Stringy, often compared to pulled pork or chicken
Sugar Content	High in natural sugars, requiring moderation for diabetics	Lower in sugar and higher in resistant starch
Best Uses	Eaten fresh, added to smoothies, desserts	Used in savory dishes like curries and tacos
Allergen Risk	Potential for oral allergy syndrome and latex-fruit syndrome	Contains proteins that can trigger allergies, potentially heat-labile

Conclusion: Safe consumption and who should be cautious

In conclusion, while jackfruit is a nutrient-rich and versatile fruit, it's not without potential side effects. Digestive discomfort, allergic reactions, and interactions with certain medical conditions or medications are the primary concerns. To minimize risks, consume jackfruit in moderation and always cook the seeds thoroughly. Individuals with pre-existing allergies to birch pollen or latex, those with kidney disease, and people with diabetes should exercise particular caution or consult a healthcare provider. For most people, consuming jackfruit responsibly allows them to enjoy its unique flavor and health benefits without issue.

Is jackfruit good for diabetics? Read more on Healthline.

Find comprehensive information on how jackfruit impacts blood sugar and whether it's a good choice for diabetics by visiting Healthline.com at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jackfruit-benefits-for-diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, eating excessive amounts of jackfruit can cause stomach issues such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and diarrhea due to its high fiber content. The seeds, if eaten raw, also contain antinutrients that can interfere with digestion.

Individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid or limit jackfruit. This includes people with allergies to birch pollen or latex, those with chronic kidney disease, people with diabetes, and those on specific medications like blood thinners.

Yes, ripe jackfruit contains natural sugars that can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Diabetics should consume it in small, controlled portions and preferably pair it with foods containing protein or healthy fats to slow the absorption of sugar.

Allergic reactions to jackfruit can range from oral allergy syndrome symptoms, such as an itchy mouth and swollen lips, to more severe issues like hives, sneezing, throat swelling, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.

Ripe jackfruit is generally considered safe for pregnant women in moderation and can provide beneficial nutrients. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns.

No, you should never eat jackfruit seeds raw. They contain antinutrients that can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. The seeds should always be cooked, typically by boiling or roasting, to make them safe to eat.

Yes, jackfruit has potential interactions with some medications. People taking antidiabetes drugs should be cautious, as jackfruit might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Jackfruit seeds may also increase the risk of bleeding for those on blood-thinning medications.