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Testing for fructose, lactose and sorbitol malabsorption and SIBO by Breath Hydrogen/Methane Testing
Fructose, lactose and sorbitol are three of the most common FODMAP™ sugars found naturally in their diet. Testing for the malabsorption of these sugars involves the use of Breath Hydrogen and Methane Testing.
The Breath Methane and Hydrogen Test helps to identify individuals who malabsorb these sugars. We measure the amount of methane and hydrogen in the breath after drinking a solution of a measured amount of that sugar. If you poorly absorb the sugar then the intestinal bacteria ferment the sugar to produce gases including hydrogen and methane. The hydrogen is absorbed across the intestinal wall, carried through the bloodstream to the lungs, and exhaled. Normally, hydrogen and methane are not present in the air we breathe out in significant amounts so the test is useful to identify conditions of reduced absorption and/or digestion of carbohydrate (such as fructose and lactose).
What do you do once you have your Breath Methane and Hydrogen Test results?
Once your results are provided to you, it is important to organise a follow up appointment with your referring practitioner (if you have one), and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD).
Correct diagnosis of the problem, followed by specialist guidance on diet and lifestyle changes, can often result in great improvements by reduction and sometimes elimination of symptoms.
The treatment of Fructose, Lactose and Sorbitol malabsorption often requires simple, achievable changes. Once a malabsorption problem has been identified, referral to an experienced dietitian is recommended to receive guidance and advice on what to do.
This is particularly important as there are many dietary sugars which can cause you problems, while there are only the Fructose, Lactose, Sorbitol and Glucose tests available.
Even if the breath tests show you do not malabsorb any sugars you’ve been tested for, they are still beneficial. A trained practitioner will use this information as useful feedback to help determine what other causes may be responsible.
For example, there are many different types of sugars – called FODMAPs – which have the potential to ferment in your body, and lead to the IBS-type symptoms.
Many of these sugars have complex molecular structures, and will not be fully absorbed by anyone. As we know that no one can absorb these complex sugars, there is no test available for them. This is why a follow up consultation with a specialist dietitian is considered so important.
An experienced dietitian will discuss your symptom history and your usual dietary intake. This information, together with the results of your breath tests, and consideration of other FODMAPs as potential IBS-triggers, will be used by the dietitian to arrive at a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Find out more about seeking dietary guidance following hydrogen breath tests.
FODMAP and FODMAPs are trademarks of Dr Sue Shepherd.