FODMAP Sugar Test

Home Test€350

FODMAPS are a group of carbohydrates (sugars) that may be partially or incompletely absorbed in the small intestine. FODMAP sugars can be found both naturally in food or added to foods during manufacturing.

When these FODMAP sugars enter the colon, bacteria that reside there will ferment these sugars. As a result, gasses and other products are produced which can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort.

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Symptoms of FODMAP Sugars

What are FODMAPS?

FFermentable

OOligosaccharides

DDisaccharides

MMonosaccharides

AAnd

PPolyols

FODMAP Sugar Test

Fermentable

Foods can be classified as high FODMAP and LOW FODMAP. High FODMAP foods increase the level of gas and water in the intestine. Foods that are considered to have a higher FODMAP content, can draw water into the intestine at a greater rate. When these FODMAP sugars enter the colon, bacteria that reside there will Ferment these sugars. As a result, gasses and other products are produced which can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort.

Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides such as Fructans (example onions, garlic, inulin, wheat) and GOS (examples chickpeas, lentils), are capable of providing benefits to intestinal bacteria and have prebiotic effects. However, in those with a hypersensitive gut, they may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Fructans consist of chains of fructose with a glucose unit attached. Fructans need to be metabolised down to single sugar units by an enzyme for absorption. The issue is, there are no naturally occurring fructan enzymes, so the fructans travel to the large intestine and are fermented by colonic bacteria. As before, the bacteria in the colon produce gases and other products of metabolism that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, particularly those with IBS. The same mechanism applies for GOS which consists of chains of galactose sugar units with a glucose unit attached. There are no enzymes produced by the body to break down GOS and like fructans, GOS will travel to the large bowel where it is fermented by colonic bacteria.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides consist of two sugar units called monosaccharides that are joined together. A disaccharide you might be familiar with is Lactose. For lactose to be broken down and absorbed in the small intestine, an enzyme called lactase is required. Lactose is commonly found in dairy products; however, it is also used in manufacturing and pharmaceutical production as an ingredient in certain foods and medications.

Monosaccharides

A single sugar unit is referred to as a Monosaccharide, an example of a monosaccharide is fructose. This sugar is absorbed in the small intestine with the help fructose transport carriers. Most people can absorb small amounts of fructose, larger quantities or doses can lead to a malabsorption or gastrointestinal symptoms. The fructose that is not absorbed travels to the colon and is broken down by bacteria in your colon causing excessive gas production and possible diarrhoea due to the increase in water getting pulled into the intestines. Fructose can be found naturally in food such as fruit, or added as a sweetener to manufactured foods.

Polyols

Polyols or alcohol sugars (even though they are not alcohol nor sugars) are also referred to as sweeteners, or as a sugar-free replacement. They have fewer calories than sugar but with a similar taste and texture. They do have some benefits such as avoiding any sudden increases in blood glucose levels, this is because the absorbable portion requires little insulin. Examples include sorbitol and Mannitol. Polyols are only partially digested and travel to the large intestine where they are broken down by colonic bacteria. In some people, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and diarrhoea.

Test Details

FODMAP Sugars Tested: Lactose, Fructose
Testing Age: Over 16 years
Referral: No referral required

Home Test Kit Fee: €350

How can a breath test measure FODMAP intolerance?

From the gut to your breath
If the sugar is not fully absorbed, it enters the colon and is broken down by bacteria in the colon. When this happens, gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide are produced. Hydrogen and methane gas can diffuse out of the gastrointestinal tract and into the blood stream. When your blood circulates around your body and you exhale, these gases are detected on your breath sample.
Lactose and fructose testing
Lactose Malabsorption and Fructose malabsorption can be tested with a hydrogen and methane breath test. Sometimes the word ‘malabsorption’ or ‘intolerance’ is used to describe the above. The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally intolerance refers to the symptoms that occur because of a malabsorption.
Collecting breath samples
Lactose intolerance and Fructose intolerance or malabsorption test, is a simple and non-invasive investigation where you collect breath samples over a period of 3 hours after ingesting a test solution of either lactose or fructose.
Each test must be completed on a separate day, with a minimum of 24 hours between tests.
Detecting malabsorption
If you are unable to absorb the test dose of fructose, or if you are deficient in lactase enzyme (or have enzymes that do not work well), this will be detected on your breath samples.

FODMAP Testing Advice

Important safety warning

This test is not suitable for anyone with known or suspected hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). If HFI is suspected, speak to your doctor before booking or ordering a test.

Please note that if you are on a long-term antibiotic prescription, please contact us for testing advice.

FODMAP Pre-Procedure Instructions

A pre-procedure instruction sheet can be viewed by clicking the link below. This should be viewed and adhered to upon booking your appointment to ensure accurate results.

Each test must be completed on a separate day, with a minimum of 24 hours between tests.

View Instructions