FRUCTOSE MALABSORPTION TEST

Fructose Malabsorption Test

Clinic Test€200

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

Understanding my results

Your report will state either “Fructose malabsorption suspected” or “Fructose malabsorption not suspected.”

Fructose malabsorption suspected

Fructose 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 Fructose Malabsorption?

Illustration of fructose-containing foods, sugar and the digestive tract

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

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 fructose malabsorption test?

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.

What is fructose malabsorption?

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.

What symptoms might indicate fructose malabsorption?

Symptoms may include:

Bloating
Abdominal pain or cramping
Excessive gas
Diarrhoea
Nausea

Symptoms typically occur after consuming fructose-containing foods.

How is the fructose malabsorption test performed?

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.

How accurate is the fructose malabsorption test?

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.

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 fructose 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 fructose malabsorption test takes 3 hours, during which breath samples are collected at set intervals.

Can this test differentiate fructose malabsorption from IBS?

Fructose malabsorption can contribute to IBS-type symptoms. This test helps identify whether fructose is a dietary trigger, allowing for more targeted dietary management.

Who should review 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 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: €200
Home Test Kit Fee: €185

Fructose Testing Advice

Important safety warning

This test must not be taken if you have known or suspected hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). It assesses fructose malabsorption and does not diagnose HFI. If HFI is suspected, speak to your doctor before booking or ordering.

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

Fructose 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 Instructions