Fructose Intolerance test, interpretation and advice

Breath test to assess fructose malabsorption, a digestive disorder when absorption of fructose is impaired. This results in an increased concentration of fructose in the intestine.

Occurrence is often seen in patients identified to be suffering symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, due to the similarity in symptoms, patients with fructose malabsorption often fit the profile of those with irritable bowel syndrome. A small proportion of patients with both fructose malabsorption and lactose intolerance also suffer from celiac disease.

Aerodiagnostics incorporate external blind proficiency tests for additional quality checks for accuracy of results, guarding against potential variations in shipping and environmental influences.

Disclaimer:

Fructose breath testing can help identify whether your body has difficulty absorbing fructose, which may contribute to symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. However, the test is not always reliable—some people test positive but tolerate fructose well, while others test negative but still experience symptoms.

A more practical approach is to try a fructose elimination diet, removing high-fructose foods for a few weeks and then gradually reintroducing them to see how your body reacts. If symptoms persist, the breath test may provide additional insight, but it should not be the only factor in managing your diet.