Sorbitol Malabsorption Test
Clinic Test: €190, Home Test: €185
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.
In large quantities, Sorbitol may cause osmotic diarrhoea, however in patients that suffer from IBS, lower amounts of Sorbitol can cause abdominal and GI symptoms.
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
What is Sorbitol Malbsorption?
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. In large quantities, Sorbitol may cause osmotic diarrhoea, however in patients that suffer from IBS, lower amounts of Sorbitol can cause abdominal and GI symptoms.
The Hydrogen and Methane breath test is non-invasive and is performed to test for Sorbitol Malabsorption.
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 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.
Sorbitol malabsorption occurs when sorbitol is poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Unabsorbed sorbitol passes into the colon where it is fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas production and digestive symptoms.
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.
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.
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 sorbitol malabsorption test takes 3 hours, during which breath samples are collected at set intervals.
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.
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 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: €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 Sorbitol Home Test Kit today.
