Sorbitol Intolerance Test

About this test

Key Benefits

• Targeted Sorbitol Assessment: Helps investigate whether poor sorbitol absorption may be linked to digestive symptoms.

• Measures Hydrogen and Methane: Gives insight into breath gases produced during intestinal fermentation.

• Relevant for Fruit and Sugar Free Product Symptoms: Useful when symptoms appear after sorbitol containing foods or products.

• Digital Results in 10 to 15 Business Days: Access your laboratory results online.

What This Test Measures

This test measures two breath gases after sorbitol intake:

• Hydrogen
  Hydrogen may increase when sorbitol is not absorbed efficiently in the small intestine and is instead fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.

• Methane
  Methane may also be produced during intestinal fermentation. Measuring methane alongside hydrogen gives a broader view of the breath gas response.

How It Works

1. Order Your Kit
Purchase your test online.

2. Collect Your Samples
Collect breath samples at home at specific time points after sorbitol intake.

3. Send It Back
Mail your samples to the laboratory using the included return materials.

4. Receive Your Results
Access your digital laboratory results online in 10 to 15 business days.

Sample Collection

The sample is collected using a breath test at home. You collect breath samples at specific intervals after sorbitol intake and send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Correct timing is important, so follow the included instructions carefully for sorbitol intake, breath sample timing and sample collection.

Accredited Lab and Analysis

Your samples are analysed in an accredited laboratory using GC, Gas Chromatography.

GC is used to measure hydrogen and methane in breath samples after sorbitol intake.

Accredited Lab and Analysis

Your samples are analyzed in an accredited laboratory using GC (Gas Chromatography), an analytical method used to separate and measure volatile compounds with high precision.

Biomarkers included

• Methane (CH₄): Methane breath testing is a diagnostic method that measures the amount of methane gas produced by intestinal bacteria. Methane is generated by specific gut microbes during the fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Elevated methane levels in breath tests are linked to conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance, which can cause sy
• Hydrogen (H₂): Hydrogen breath testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, which is produced by bacterial fermentation in the intestines. This test is commonly used to identify conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest that undigested carbohydrates are being fermented by gut b

How to prepare

Fast for **8 hours before testing**, according to the included instructions. **24 hours before testing** Avoid foods that may affect fermentation, such as fruit, vegetables and legumes. Avoid laxatives and antibiotics in the **days before testing** unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare professional. Follow the included instructions carefully for sorbitol intake, breath sample timing and sample collection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if sorbitol may be causing my symptoms?

Sorbitol may be relevant if symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, intestinal sounds or diarrhoea appear after consuming sorbitol containing foods or products, such as certain fruits, sugar free chewing gum, sweets or low calorie foods.

Do I need to avoid sorbitol before the test?

Before the test, you should follow the included preparation instructions. This usually includes fasting and avoiding certain foods that may affect fermentation. Sorbitol is taken as part of the test procedure according to the instructions.

How is the breath test performed?

The test involves taking an initial baseline breath sample after an 8-hour fast. You then drink a sorbitol solution and collect subsequent breath samples at specific intervals as directed in your kit instructions. These samples are then mailed to the lab for analysis.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 4/5 — Took about 10 days for results but definitely worth the wait for the clarity.
• 5/5 — Professional grade kit and the shipping back to the lab was fast.
• 4/5 — The prep work was a bit annoying, but the results were easy to read. Glad I did it.
• 5/5 — Super easy to use and the instructions were very clear.
• 5/5 — Finally found out why sugar-free gum makes me so bloated! Great test.