Intesinal Disaccharidase.docVIP

Intestinal Disaccharidase BREATH TESTING IN INTESTINAL DISACCHARIDASE DEFICIENCY AND BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH OF THE SMALL INTESTINE By Lee, Martin J., Barrie, Stephen, Journal of Nutritional Environmental Medicine, 1, Mar96, Vol. 6, Issue 1Database Academic Search Premier The breakdown and absorption of nutrients, a key function of the digestive system, is impaired in carbohydrate maldigestion and bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. The resulting continuous irritation of the intestinal mucosa may have a systemic impact and lead to chronic conditions and increased susceptibility to parasitic infections. Precise diagnosis is therefore of great importance. Traditional methods are invasive, require large challenge doses or, as in elimination diets, do not provide definitive diagnosis. Measurement of hydrogen and methane levels in alveolar samples collected following a carbohydrate challenge is simple, non-invasive and provides good sensitivity, and specificity. Breath tests can further definitively demonstrate lactose maldigestion, differentiate other carbohydrate intolerances and allow determination of severity of carbohydrate intolerance. Percentages of false-negative and false-positives are low compared to traditional methods when instructions are followed properly. Technical advances in collection and analysis have greatly simplified breath tests. Advantages of breath testing for practitioners and patients make this a promising technique for future applications. Keywords breath testing, lactose intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, disaccharidase deficiency, carbohydrate intolerance, maldigestion, intestinal microorganisms. INTRODUCTION The digestive system plays a major role in the bodys total health, starting with the proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients that fuel the cells. Carbohydrate intolerances and bacterial overgrowth affect the total picture of digestive functioning. These disorders are associated with continuous irritation of the intestina