Lactose intolerance is the most common carbohydrate malabsorption
FODMAPs are naturally occurring sugars such as lactose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol and sucrose found in milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, cereals and processed foods. These dietary sugars are poorly absorbed in the gut, and fermentation of the sugar by gut bacteria results in water retaining effect as well as gas production. In IBS sufferers this causes gut symptoms such as bloating, pain and diarrhoea. Restricting dietary intake of FODMAPS has been shown to relieve symptoms of IBS in up to 75% of patients.
Fructose and lactose breath testing are standard in all IBS sufferers and should be performed first. Testing for malabsorption of sucrose, sorbitol and mannitol should be considered in individuals with normal breath tests for fructose and lactose, or if symptoms fail to improve with restriction of fructose/ lactose intake. If you have a positive breath test result, our nutritionist can work with you to develop a low FODMAP diet to suit your requirements.
What we test
Lactose Malabsorption
Hydrogen/methane breath tests are highly specific and sensitive tools for the diagnosis of FODMAP malabsorption. They are considered first line interventions in the diagnostic workup of IBS symptoms and are recommended before dietary intervention. Breath tests avoid unnecessary food restrictions and adverse effects on gut microflora.
This represents the amount of hydrogen present in an exhaled breath a period of time after taking a lactose dose. Hydrogen is produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates in the gut.
Breath hydrogen is used for measurement of malabsorption where possible. If breath hydrogen production is low, further tests are conducted using equipment that also measures methane (CH4).
Fructose Malabsorption
Hydrogen/methane breath tests are highly specific and sensitive tools for the diagnosis of FODMAP malabsorption. They are considered first line interventions in the diagnostic workup of IBS symptoms and are recommended before dietary intervention. Breath tests avoid unnecessary food restrictions and adverse effects on gut microflora.
This represents the amount of hydrogen present in an exhaled breath a period of time after taking the fructose dose. Hydrogen is produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates in the gut.
Breath hydrogen is used for measurement of malabsorption where possible. If breath hydrogen production is low, further tests are conducted using equipment that also measures methane (CH4).
Test instructions
Your test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging.
This test is not suitable for children, and may cause serious injury in individuals with the genetic condition "Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)". If HFI is suspected individuals should NOT undergo hydrogen/methane breath testing for fructose, sucrose and sorbitol.
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