- Digestive symptoms: bloating, gas or abdominal distension after meals.
- Upper gastrointestinal discomfort: frequent belching or post-meal fullness.
- Bowel habit changes: loose stools or diarrhoea linked to carbohydrate intake.
- Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort associated with eating.
- IBS-related patterns: symptoms commonly seen in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Carbohydrate tolerance: suspected difficulty tolerating fructose-containing foods.
- Nutrient absorption concerns: low iron status potentially linked to digestive patterns.
- Diet-related symptoms: symptoms that vary with fruit, sweeteners or processed foods.
Overview
The Breath Test for Fructose Malabsorption/Intolerance measures hydrogen and methane gases in breath samples collected at timed intervals after ingestion of a fructose solution. The test is based on breath analysis, with hydrogen and methane serving as markers of carbohydrate fermentation within the gut. It is a non-invasive assessment that evaluates how fructose is processed during digestion.
This test may be clinically useful when individuals report digestive symptoms that appear to relate to fructose-containing foods. Altered breath gas patterns can be observed in people who experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or gas following meals, including those with symptom profiles commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Practitioners typically interpret breath test results alongside dietary intake, symptom timing, medical history and other digestive investigations. When reviewed in context, the findings can help guide discussions with clients around food tolerance patterns and digestive responses.
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.