- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
Definition (1)
- Spastic colon: What does it mean?
Symptoms (2)
- Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What's the difference?
- IBS in children: Is it possible?
Causes (1)
- Fructose intolerance: Can it cause IBS?
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Fiber supplements: Are they safe to take every day?
Alternative medicine (2)
- Candida cleanse: What does it treat?
- Prebiotics: What are they?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- IBS diet: Can yogurt ease symptoms?
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Question
Fructose intolerance: Can it cause IBS?
Can fructose intolerance cause irritable bowel syndrome?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Fructose is the natural sugar in fruit. Fructose is also found in sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup. Fructose intolerance can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people. Although these symptoms may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fructose intolerance isn't thought to cause IBS. It's important to note, however, that people who have IBS may be more susceptible to bloating and diarrhea from fructose. In this case, reducing or eliminating dietary fructose may ease symptoms.
Next questionFiber supplements: Are they safe to take every day?
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. May 7, 2008.
- Choi YK, et al. Fructose intolerance in IBS and utility of fructose-restricted diet. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008;42(3):233-238.
- Skoog SM, et al. Comparison of breath testing with fructose and high fructose corn syrups in health and IBS. Neurogastroenterolgy and Motility. 2008;20(5):505-511.
