SIBO - Lactulose + Glucose + Fructose

Breath test measuring hydrogen and methane levels — markers relevant to small intestinal bacterial balance. Find out more with a simple breath test.

£369

The large intestine is packed with bacteria, whilst the small intestine typically contains very few bacteria. If the small intestine becomes overgrown with bacteria it can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrohoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. SIBO is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What's included

Hydrogen and methane measured in parts per million at baseline, then at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes. Glucose is absorbed quickly, so a rise points to overgrowth higher in the small intestine, closer to the stomach. A hydrogen rise of about 20 ppm above baseline by 90 minutes is the threshold commonly used to flag bacterial overgrowth.

The lactulose test is used to measure oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) - this is the time interval between ingestion of lactulose and rise in breath hydrogen. Prolonged OCTT has been associated with SIBO.

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.