Sorbitol Network

Description

WHAT ARE SUGAR INTOLERANCES?

Sugar intolerances are included in adverse reactions to food, although they should be distinguished from allergies and other immune hypersensitivity reactions.

Sugar intolerances are the consequence of an inability of the digestive system to assimilate these components that are found in many foods and some medications. This capacity causes that the sugars are not absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and therefore that they reach the large intestine in such a way that they will be accessible to the flora that inhabits this level. As a result of the metabolic activity of the flora, gases such as hydrogen, and / or methane, among other substances, are generated. In addition, the presence of these sugars will cause greater retention of liquids at this level. The increase in gas production and fluid retention is the origin of the digestive discomfort characteristic of sugar intolerances (gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, explosive stools, etc.)

WHY ARE INTOLERANCES TO SUGARS PRODUCED?

The main cause of intolerances is the deficit or malfunction of digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down or transporting sugar molecules through the mucosa.

These deficiencies can be of genetic origin, in which case, they will cause irreversible intolerances and their only solution will be the suppression of sugar in question for life, or they can be caused by functional causes, such as an intestinal infection, the alteration of the mucosa produced in celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, etc. In these cases, intolerances are reversible to the extent that the cause that originated the problem disappears.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INTOLERANCES?

The most common intolerance is to lactose, the sugar contained in dairy products. This is often followed by fructose intolerance, which is present in many fruits and vegetables. And to this is the intolerance to sorbitol, also present in red algae and in the leaves and fruits of plants of the Rosaceae family such as pears, apples, plums, quinces, peaches or apricots. sucrose, present in sugar cane and beets.

All these sugars can also be found as food additives or as excipients used in the manufacture of medicines.

HOW CAN I KNOW IF I HAVE AN INTOLERANCE TO SOME SUGAR?

Today, the most widely used analytical method is the aspirated air test, which consists of measuring the gases found in the breath after ingesting a controlled amount of the sugar to be assessed.

The metabolization of sugar by the flora of the large intestine generates hydrogen and / or methane, these gases will be absorbed, transported by the blood and eliminated through the respiratory tract together with carbon dioxide. Thus, the increase in the concentration of these gases in the breath after the administration of a sugar will indicate that it has reached the colon intact. That is, it has not been absorbed in the small intestine and therefore there may be an intolerance.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES OUR BREATH TEST PROVIDE FOR SORBITOL INTOLERANCE?

It is the aspirated air test that has the great advantage of evaluating hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide at the same time. This circumstance allows AIRTEST to significantly reduce the number of false negatives and have control over the quality of the sample, compared to other breath tests that only quantify hydrogen.

DISORDERS THAT IT CAUSES:

The symptoms are a consequence of the fermentation of sorbitol by the flora of the large intestine: gas, flatulence, abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, malaise, etc. Malnutrition problems are not frequent, but in children with a high degree of intolerance it can endanger proper development and growth.

PATIENT CONDITIONS:

• Not having consumed any antibiotics, performed colonoscopy, barium enema, capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy during the 30 days prior to the test.
• 24 hours before you have to follow a diet without fiber (you cannot eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, cold cuts, carbonated drinks and whole foods).

You can eat grilled meat or fish, eggs, pasta without sauces, white rice and toast. For dinner you can only eat grilled meat or fish and a French omelette.

• Do not brush your teeth, smoke, paint your lips, drink water, or eat food for 8 hours prior to the test.
• Do not do physical exercise for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.
• If you are suffering from diarrhea, it is better to postpone the test or consult your doctor.

WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF AND HOW LONG DOES THE TEST LAST?

This test consists of measuring the hydrogen and methane concentration in the exhaled air before and after administering a solution with a certain amount of sorbitol orally, at intervals of 25 minutes up to 175 minutes, for which the patient will stay for approximately 3 hours. In our instalations.

RESULTS

Results will be available in 5 business days.

I NEED A SORBITOL NET. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

To perform a RED SORBITOL:

• Comply with the conditions prior to carrying out the RED SORBITOL.
• We will contact you to give you an appointment.