Fructose Malabsorption Test
Clinic Test: €190, Home Test: €185
Fructose malabsorption occurs when the small intestine fails to fully absorb this sugar.
Some people can tolerate more fructose than others, so symptom severity can differ depending on the amount of fructose consumed.
Symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, or abdominal cramps. People with Coeliac disease and IBS are at a higher risk of suffering from fructose intolerance.
The Fructose 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 FRUCTOSE MALABSORPTION
WHAT IS FRUCTOSE MALABSORPTION?
Fructose can be present naturally in foods such as fruit and some vegetables, or found in many processed foods and drinks. Foods that contain fructose include oranges, apples, mangos, pears, prunes, melons, raisins, honey and fruit juices. Fructose malabsorption occurs when the small intestine fails to fully absorb this sugar. As a result, fructose is transported to the colon where it is broken down by bacteria in the colon. Hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide gases are produced as a result of this malabsorption.
Some people can tolerate more fructose than others, so symptom severity can differ depending on the amount of fructose consumed. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, or abdominal cramps. People with Coeliac disease and IBS are at a higher risk of suffering from fructose intolerance. The Hydrogen and Methane breath test measures the gases produced by the bacteria in the colon to determine if the fructose sugar has not been absorbed properly in the intestine.
HOW IT WORKS
Testing is simple and non-invasive. This investigation is a clinical based diagnostic test that can be performed at home or else in one of our clinic locations. You will be sent out a full kit with easy to follow instructions.
No blood samples are necessary for this test, only breath samples are required at timed intervals after consuming a sweetened drink.
People often wonder how a breath sample can provide so much clinical information from the intestine but its quite simple. When the sweetened drink passes through your digestive tract, different gases are produced depending on the reaction it has with your digestive system. These gases pass out of of your gut and into you blood system. When your blood makes its way back to your lungs and you breath out, these gases are detected.
FAQ
The fructose malabsorption test is a non-invasive breath test used to assess how well the small intestine absorbs fructose. It measures hydrogen and methane gases in the breath after ingesting a fructose solution following a preparation diet.
Fructose malabsorption occurs when the small intestine does not properly absorb fructose, a natural sugar found in fruit, honey, and many processed foods. Unabsorbed fructose is fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and digestive symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
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Bloating
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Abdominal pain or cramping
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Excessive gas
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Diarrhoea
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Nausea
Symptoms typically occur after consuming fructose-containing foods.
After completing the required preparation diet, a measured fructose solution is taken as part of the test. Breath samples are collected at regular intervals over a 3 hour period to measure gas levels produced during digestion.
When preparation guidelines are followed correctly, the fructose breath test is a reliable tool for identifying fructose malabsorption. Results are interpreted alongside reported symptoms to support accurate clinical assessment.
Yes. Certain medications and supplements can affect results. For the full list of instructions click on the View Instructions link on this page.
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.
The fructose malabsorption test takes 3 hours, during which breath samples are collected at set intervals.
Fructose malabsorption can contribute to IBS-type symptoms. This test helps identify whether fructose is a dietary trigger, allowing for more targeted dietary management.
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.
The minimum age for Fructose Malabsorption testing is 16 years old.
TEST DETAILS
Test Duration: Up to 3 hours
Testing Age: Over 16
Referral: No referral required
Results: Approx. 3-4 working days
Clinic Test Fee: €190
Home Test Kit Fee: €185
HOME TEST INSTRUCTION VIDEO
TESTING ADVICE
Please note that if you are on a long-term antibiotic prescription, please contact us for testing advice.
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.
HOME TEST KIT CONTENTS
✔ 7 x pre-labelled breath collection bags
✔ 14 x blue air stopper caps
✔ 1 x testing substrate
✔ 1 x plastic clamp
✔ 2 x mouth piece
✔ 1 x pre-labelled return envelope
✔ 1 x Test Instruction Book
✔ 1 x Consent Form
SHIPPING AND T&C'S
BREATH TEST PLANNER
Download a timing planner for your Hydrogen & Methane Breath test.
Order your Fructose Home Test Kit today.
