Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when intestinal bacteria overgrow in the small intestine. This overgrowth can lead to excess production of gas and bacterial metabolites, causing symptoms of bloating, flatulent, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping. Recent studies show that up to 78% of individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have SIBO.¹ SIBO can also be present in those with gastrointestinal symptoms who do not have an IBS diagnosis. An at-home SIBO breath test that can help determine the cause of digestive distress.

Life Extension offers a kit containing a lactulose solution. Lactulose is a sugar that bacteria can digest (ferment). The fermentation of this sugar results in the production of hydrogen and/or methane gas. Our SIBO test provides the distinct advantage of measuring both gases, which, when present, may indicate SIBO. Lactulose has the advantage of detecting bacterial overgrowth throughout the small intestine, including the lower end where it most commonly occurs. Humans cannot digest or absorb lactulose, only bacteria have the proper enzymes to do so. Since it is not absorbed, lactulose travels the entire length of the intestine, revealing SIBO at all portions of the intestine.²

Sample Report

Instructions

The following document provides a full set of instructions for completing the test:

Instructions

Note

Due to the unique collection kit required for the SIBO breath test, there is a $25 nonrefundable fee for the kit. If a new kit is needed due to collection error, the cost is $25. If this test is not used within 6 months and the kit expires, a replacement kit at a cost of $25 will be incurred. Results take 10 days from when specimen is received. The results for this test can only be received via mail, e-mail, or fax.

References

1. Ghoshal UC, Srivastava D. Irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Meaningful association or unnecessary hype. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG. 2014;20(10):2482-2491. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2482.
2. Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, et al. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2017;112(5):775-784. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.46.
3. Sahota SS, Bramley PM, Menzies IS. The fermentation of lactulose by colonic bacteria. Microbiology. 1981;128(2):319–325