• Digestive discomfort: bloating, belching or abdominal distension after eating fructose-containing foods.
• Gas production: excessive or persistent gas following meals.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort that appears related to dietary sugars.
• Bowel habit changes: loose stools or diarrhoea linked with fructose intake.
• Nutrient concerns: suspected malabsorption of nutrients such as iron.
• IBS-like presentations: overlapping digestive symptoms where fructose intolerance is being explored.
• Multi-sugar intolerance: digestive reactions to both fructose and lactose.
• Dietary pattern review: symptoms that correspond with fruit, sweeteners or high-fructose foods.

Overview

The Breath Test for Fructose Malabsorption/Intolerance measures hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases in exhaled breath after a controlled fructose challenge. These gases are produced when unabsorbed fructose is fermented by intestinal microbes, offering insight into how effectively the small intestine handles this carbohydrate. Breath samples are collected at intervals to observe changes over time.

Practitioners may consider this test when clients present with bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or bowel habit changes following consumption of fruit, sweeteners or other fructose-rich foods. It may also be appropriate when symptoms resemble IBS or when digestive discomfort appears to fluctuate with specific dietary sugars. Evaluating hydrogen and methane patterns can help identify whether fructose load corresponds with increased fermentation.

Results are typically reviewed alongside a food and symptom history, dietary patterns, other carbohydrate breath tests and relevant digestive markers. This supports a comprehensive view of how fructose intake relates to gastrointestinal comfort for clients.

Practical

Specimen

Breath

Container

Vacuum-sealed collection tubes

Patient preparation

Requires fasting 12 hours prior to collection
This test will take 3 hours to complete
Preparation for the test starts 2-4 weeks before collection ( Please check sample collection instructions)

Please note this test will take 3 hours to complete.