The Hydrogen test is a non-invasive test which, from exhaled air, allows to determine the amount of hydrogen formed by the intestinal flora after ingesting a type of sugar.
What is the function of the exhaled hydrogen test in the detection of sugar intolerance?
The bacteria that live in the intestine, when decomposing sugars, release hydrogen, and after passing through the bloodstream and the lungs, it is expelled through respiration. This is how the test works, which, thanks to the amount of hydrogen exhaled, allows various studies to be carried out to indicate the tolerance of each patient to the different types of sugar.
Symptomatology of sugar intolerance
Thus, if there is an intolerance, it implies that the intestine is not able to absorb sugars. In case there is one, the most frequent symptoms are bloating and/or abdominal pain, gas, alterations in intestinal transit or diarrhea, among many others.
Gastrodex measures tolerance to lactose, sucrose, sorbitol and fructose.
Exhaled hydrogen test: the test for detecting intolerance to sugars
The exhaled hydrogen test is recommended whenever the Digestive System specialist considers that the digestive symptoms described by the patient may be due to intolerance or bacterial overgrowth.
The process of the test is simple, since it consists of blowing into a device that will measure and analyze the amount of Hydrogen contained in the breath. The first measurement is taken without having ingested any liquid beforehand, and then a small amount of the type of sugar is given.
Thereafter, air samples are taken regularly for a period that may vary from two to four hours, depending on each study.
In the case of presenting some type of intolerance, discomfort similar to that suffered on normal days may be manifested when certain types of sugars are ingested.
What are the most common types of sugar intolerance?
The most common and well-known is intolerance to lactose, the main sugar in milk. To absorb lactose, it is broken down in the intestine into two essential molecules – glucose and galactose – for which the function of lactase is essential. However, if there is a lactase deficiency, the process cannot be completed and the sugar that has not been absorbed passes directly to the colon, and when it ferments, water, gas and acids are generated, causing discomfort for the sufferer.
Another common case is the combination of fructose and sorbitol, fructose being found in fruits and sorbitol both in fruits and as an additive in many products.
In general, in these cases, once the cause of the intolerance is known, they should be treated with an individualized diet to avoid the foods that cause malabsorption.