Sorbitol Malabsorption Test
Sorbitol is often used as a sweetener in "diet" or "sugar free" foods and drinks. It can also occur naturally in foods such as pears, prunes, peaches, cherries, and plums.
Sorbitol is absorbed slowly and incompletely in the small intestine through passive diffusion. Incomplete absorption can occur in healthy people.
Unabsorbed sorbitol passes into the large intestine, where bacterial fermentation and its water-drawing effect can cause wind, bloating and diarrhoea.
Incomplete absorption is not the same as sorbitol intolerance, which involves symptoms after consuming sorbitol.
The Sorbitol Malabsorption test can be done in clinic or the test can be perfomed at home using a home testing kit.
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Symptoms of Sorbitol Malabsorption
Understanding my results
Your report will state either “Sorbitol malabsorption suspected” or “Sorbitol malabsorption not suspected.”
Sorbitol malabsorption suspected
Sorbitol malabsorption not suspected
As stated in the reporting criteria, a rise of 20 ppm or more above baseline within 180 minutes in either hydrogen (H₂) or methane (CH₄) is considered positive.
What is Sorbitol Malabsorption?
Sorbitol is often used as a sweetener in "diet" or "sugar free" foods and drinks. It can also occur naturally in foods such as pears, prunes, peaches, cherries, and plums.
Sorbitol is absorbed slowly and incompletely in the small intestine through passive diffusion. Incomplete absorption can occur in healthy people.
Unabsorbed sorbitol passes into the large intestine, where bacterial fermentation and its water-drawing effect can cause wind, bloating and diarrhoea.
Incomplete absorption is not the same as sorbitol intolerance, which involves symptoms after consuming sorbitol.
The Hydrogen and Methane breath test is non-invasive and is performed to test for Sorbitol Malabsorption.
How it Works
Choose home or clinic testing
This simple, non-invasive diagnostic test can be performed at home or at one of our clinic locations. For home testing, you will receive a full kit with easy-to-follow instructions.
Drink the testing solution
You will consume a sweetened testing drink as part of the test.
Collect timed breath samples
Only breath samples are required, collected at timed intervals after the drink. No blood samples are necessary.
Gases pass into the bloodstream
As the drink passes through your digestive tract, gases are produced depending on how it interacts with your digestive system. These gases pass from the gut into the bloodstream.
The gases are measured in your breath
When your blood reaches your lungs, these gases pass into the air you breathe out and can be detected in your breath samples.
FAQ
What is the sorbitol malabsorption test?
The sorbitol malabsorption test is a non-invasive breath test used to assess how well the small intestine absorbs sorbitol, a sugar alcohol commonly found in certain fruits and sugar-free products. The test measures hydrogen and methane gases in the breath after ingestion of a sorbitol solution.
What is sorbitol malabsorption?
Sorbitol is absorbed slowly and incompletely in the small intestine through passive diffusion. Incomplete absorption can occur in healthy people.
Unabsorbed sorbitol passes into the large intestine, where bacterial fermentation and its water-drawing effect can cause wind, bloating and diarrhoea.
Incomplete absorption is not the same as sorbitol intolerance, which involves symptoms after consuming sorbitol.
How is the sorbitol malabsorption test performed?
After completing the required preparation diet, a measured sorbitol solution is taken as part of the test. Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals over the test period to assess gas production during digestion.
How accurate is the sorbitol malabsorption test?
When preparation guidelines are followed correctly, the sorbitol breath test is a reliable tool for identifying sorbitol malabsorption. Results are interpreted alongside reported symptoms to support accurate clinical assessment.
Do I need to stop medication before the test?
Yes. Certain medications and supplements can affect results. For the full list of instructions click on the View Instructions link on this page.
How easy is the sorbitol malabsorption test to perform at home?
The test is simple to perform at home using the kit provided. Clear instructions are included, breath samples are collected using breath collection bags and no clinic visit is required. The process is non-invasive.
How long does the test take?
The sorbitol malabsorption test takes 3 hours, during which breath samples are collected at set intervals.
Can this test help identify FODMAP-related symptoms?
Yes. Sorbitol is classified as a FODMAP sugar alcohol, and this test can assist in identifying sorbitol-related malabsorption as a contributor to gastrointestinal symptoms, helping guide dietary intervention.
Who should interpret the results?
Results should be reviewed with your G.P., Consultant, or Dietitian, particularly to guide dietary changes such as a low-fructose or low-FODMAP diet. Please note that GastroLife is a testing centre and undertake the test only.
Is the test suitable for children?
The minimum age for Sorbitol Malabsorption testing is 16 years old.
Test Details
- Test Duration
- Up to 3 hours
- Testing Age
- Over 16 years
- Referral
- No referral required
- Results
- Approx. 3-4 working days
- Clinic Test Fee
- €200
- Home Test Kit Fee
- €185
Sorbitol Testing Advice
Please note that if you are on a long-term antibiotic prescription, please contact us for testing advice.
Sorbitol 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.
View InstructionsSorbitol Home Test Kit Contents
- 7 ×Pre-labelled breath collection bags
- 14 ×Blue air stopper caps
- 1 ×Testing substrate
- 1 ×Plastic clamp
- 2 ×Mouthpieces
- 1 ×Pre-labelled return envelope
- 1 ×Test Instruction Book
- 1 ×Consent Form
Shipping and T&C’s
Breath Test Planner
Download a timing planner for your Hydrogen & Methane Breath test.
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