The quantitative stool sugar test is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of specific sugars in stool to assess carbohydrate malabsorption. It helps identify conditions like lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and other disorders affecting sugar digestion and absorption. By detecting undigested sugars such as lactose, fructose, or sorbitol in the stool, this test aids healthcare providers in pinpointing which sugars the digestive system struggles to process, often linked to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming certain sugars should consider this test. It is particularly recommended for those suspected of having lactose or fructose intolerance or other related digestive disorders.
Symptoms that may warrant a stool sugar test include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and gas, especially following the consumption of specific types of carbohydrates like dairy products (lactose) or fruits and sweeteners (fructose).
Abnormal results are generally caused by an inability to digest certain sugars due to deficiencies in specific enzymes like lactase in the case of lactose intolerance or issues with the transport mechanisms in the intestinal cells. These deficiencies prevent the normal breakdown and absorption of sugars.
The samples are analyzed in a laboratory to detect and measure the amount of undigested sugars, indicating malabsorption.