Fructose and Sorbitol Malabsorption in Ambulatory Patients with Functional Dyspepsia Comparison with Lactose Maldigestion/Malabsorption

Abstract

The aim of this study was to study sugarmaldigestion/malabsorption in patients with functionaldyspepsia using H breath testing. End-expiratory breathH after separate 2 challenges with lactose (25 g), fructose (25 g), and sorbitol (5 g) were usedto determine malabsorption, as well as small boweltransit time (SBTT). Five hundred twenty patients withfunctional dyspepsia received all three challenges. Smaller groups were also tested after lactulose(10 g, N = 36) and glucose (50 g, N = 90) challenges.Fructose and sorbitol were closely linked with respectto absorption and malabsorption status. Only in the case of lactose maldigestion/malabsorption wasthere a greater than random prevalence of malabsorption(P < 0.001) for fructose and sorbitol. In contrast tolactose, ethnic origin did not influence fructose or sorbitol malabsorption, and femalespredominated among fructose and sorbitol malabsorbers.In Jews, the prevalence of lactosemaldigestion/malabsorption decreased in the age group of25-55 and subsequently rose after 55, while fructose and sorbitolmalabsorption decreased progressively with advancingage. With respect to small bowel transit time (SBTT), inthe case of sorbitol and lactulose, it was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those for fructoseand lactose. Multiple sugar malabsorptions are commonwhen lactose maldigestion/malabsorption ispresent.