How H2 Breath Test Works

The hydrogen (H2) breath test is a simple, non-invasive way to check digestive health. It helps diagnose lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Basic Principle

Healthy people produce little hydrogen when digesting food normally.

When carbs are not fully absorbed, gut bacteria ferment them and release hydrogen gas.

This hydrogen enters the bloodstream, travels to the lungs, and is exhaled.

Measuring breath hydrogen shows how well your body digests certain sugars.

How the Test Works

1. Provide a baseline breath sample.

2. Drink a small test sugar solution.

3. Breath samples are collected at set times.

4. Rising H2 levels mean incomplete digestion.

Key Points

The H2 breath test is safe, painless, and accurate.

It uses exhaled hydrogen to find hidden digestive issues quickly.