Carolyn English

Chronic gut symptoms are common in people on the spectrum and are often labelled IBS. This article explores how CSID, a genetic digestive enzyme disorder, may be missed in some people with persistent bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) (also known as Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (SID) , Genetic Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (GSID) , or Acquired Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (ASID) ) is a digestive enzyme disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down certain sugars and starches. The condition occurs when the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme in the small intestine does not function properly or is present in low amounts. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down sucrose...

Sugar is more than just a sweetener. For some people, it’s the source of significant digestive symptoms due to an underlying enzyme deficiency. Since my teens, I’ve struggled with digestive issues, including constant bloating, reflux, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and discomfort that no one could quite explain. I learned to never be far from a toilet or a hot water bottle. My first visit to a gastroenterologist was at 15 years old, and I was told it was just stress. Since then, I’ve had multiple...