Hydrogen breath test - what is it?

The hydrogen test is based on determining the gradient of bacterial hydrogen production in the colon when undigested lactose enters it.

Where does hydrogen come from in the intestines?

Hydrogen is part of intestinal gases, which are formed as a result of the vital activity of fecal microflora. The intestine serves as the only source of hydrogen formation in the human body.

On an empty stomach, it is formed in the large intestine in small quantities; after eating, its production increases 7-30 times. About 15% of the hydrogen produced is absorbed into the blood and released through the lungs. Therefore, by the amount of this gas in the exhaled air, one can judge its production in the colon.

The principle of the method and what it determines

The formation of hydrogen in the human colon occurs during the fermentation of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates by intestinal microflora.

The body is loaded with unsplit disaccharide lactulose and the hydrogen content in the exhaled air can be used to determine:

• lactase deficiency , in which the hydrolysis of milk sugar - lactose is disrupted;
• speed of food transit through the small intestine;
• degree of contamination of the small intestine ( dysbacteriosis ).