SIBO - Lactulose Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test
Professional clinical interpretation included.
Lactulose breath testing is widely used in the assessment of SIBO and has been utilised in research by leading researcher Dr Mark Pimentel, MD.
Research suggests that SIBO may be present in a significant proportion of people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with some studies detecting SIBO in up to 84% of patients tested.
The lactulose breath test is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
After following a short preparatory diet the day before the test, you will drink a solution containing lactulose. Lactulose is a type of sugar that is not absorbed by the body and therefore travels through the digestive tract.
If excess bacteria are present in the small intestine, they may ferment the lactulose and produce gases such as hydrogen and methane. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the lungs, where they can be measured in the breath.
Breath samples are collected every 20 minutes over a 3-hour period.
Your results help determine whether small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be contributing to your symptoms and whether it should be addressed as part of your personalised health protocol.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria are present in the small intestine, where normally only small numbers should exist. These bacteria can ferment carbohydrates and produce gases such as hydrogen and methane, which may contribute to a range of digestive and systemic symptoms.
The lactulose breath test helps identify whether bacterial overgrowth may be contributing to your symptoms. Understanding whether SIBO is present allows us to design a more targeted and personalised treatment plan.
Testing may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing persistent digestive symptoms that have not improved with standard approaches.
Common Symptoms that may be associated with SIBO include…
- Bloating and abdominal distension
- Gas and digestive discomfort
- Diarrhoea or Constipation
- Reflux / Burping / GORD
- Food sensitivities or intolerances
- IBS type symptoms
- Nutrient malabsorption
- Iron / B12 deficiency
- Fatigue & Brain Fog
- Joint Pain / Inflammation
- Skin Rashes or unexplained skin issues
