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durian

durian

Fruit

Is durian high in fructans?

Fructans status
Safe

Find out whether durian is high or low in fructans, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why fructans food checker matters

Fructans are chains of fructose molecules found in wheat, onions, garlic, and many other foods. They're a type of FODMAP that can cause digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals because they're not well absorbed in the small intestine.

  • Garlic-infused oil is low-FODMAP since fructans don't dissolve in oil
  • Green parts of leeks and scallions are lower in fructans
  • Sourdough bread may be better tolerated than regular wheat bread

Triggers

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsLow
FODMAPsSafe
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesLow
OxalatesLow
NickelLow
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationFit
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPFit
MediterraneanAvoid
DASH DietAvoid
EoE CompatibleAvoid
FODMAPsFit
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for durian

On the trigger columns durian is remarkably quiet. It grades A for total FODMAPs and for every FODMAP subgroup (fructans, GOS, excess fructose, polyols), A for histamine content, tyramine, gluten, lactose, dairy protein, free glutamates, sulfites, nitrites and nightshades, with only mild B marks for histamine liberation, salicylates, oxalates and nickel. So the honest answer to "is durian high in histamine" or "is durian low FODMAP" is no and yes. What people actually need to know about durian is an interaction, not a trigger. The old Southeast Asian rule against drinking alcohol with durian turns out to have a pharmacological basis: laboratory work has shown that durian extract inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), the enzyme that clears acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism, and the fruit is unusually rich in the sulfur compounds implicated in that inhibition. Block ALDH and acetaldehyde accumulates, which is exactly the mechanism behind the flushing reaction in people carrying an ALDH2 variant and behind the disulfiram reaction used to deter drinking. That is in vitro and animal evidence rather than a human trial, so read it as a well grounded reason to keep the two apart rather than a documented poisoning. The second real caution is potassium: durian is potassium dense, which matters on a potassium restricted diet.

Watch for

Do not drink alcohol with durian. Durian extract inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase in laboratory testing, and ALDH is the enzyme that clears acetaldehyde, the toxic intermediate of alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde build up is what produces flushing, nausea, racing heart and headache, so this is a real mechanism rather than a superstition / Potassium dense. If you have chronic kidney disease or have been told to restrict potassium, durian is a fruit to count rather than eat freely, and it is worth raising with your renal dietitian by name / Very high in sugar and fat for a fruit, so a large portion sits heavily even though every FODMAP subgroup grades A. If durian bloats you, the density of the serving is a far likelier explanation than a fermentable carbohydrate load / Ripeness matters for amines. Durian grades A for histamine and only B as a liberator, but flesh that has been left to go soft, boozy and fermented is a different food from fresh durian, and that is where biogenic amines build up in any fruit

Learn More

Fructans Guide

Everything you need to know about fructans sensitivity and smart food choices.

Fructans are chains of fructose molecules found in wheat, onions, garlic, and many other foods. They're a type of FODMAP that can cause digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals because they're not well absorbed in the small intestine.

Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.

These foods are generally well-tolerated for Fructans sensitivity:

View all safe options

These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:

These foods are high in fructans and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

If you're sensitive to Fructans, consider these strategies:

  • 1Garlic-infused oil is low-FODMAP since fructans don't dissolve in oil
  • 2Green parts of leeks and scallions are lower in fructans
  • 3Sourdough bread may be better tolerated than regular wheat bread
  • 4Spelt and ancient grains still contain fructans despite marketing claims
  • 5Portion size matters - small amounts may be tolerable

Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.

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FAQ

Is durian high in Fructans?

Fructans: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat durian if I'm sensitive to Fructans?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Histamine Liberators, Salicylates, and Oxalates next for a fuller picture.