Simultaneous determination of hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide of breath using gas-solid chromatography

The analysis of respiratory hydrogen and methane was estimated as a useful index of intestinal fermentation of undigestible carbohydrate. A simultaneous and precious analysis of these gases as well as carbon dioxide was studied. A gas-impermeable multi-laminated film bag metalized by aluminum vapor was fitted to use as a storage bag; its impermeability was verified by measuring the residual rate of hydrogen after 3 months' storage. Hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide of the breath gas even at 1 ppm could be determined simultaneously by using a gas-solid chromatography installed with a photoionization detector and active carbon column. To observe the genesis of hydrogen and methane after carbohydrate ingestion, pectin, a typical water-soluble dietary fiber, was fed to healthy volunteers. Increasing excretion of pulmonary hydrogen or methane showed the sign of intestinal fermentation as the results of carbohydrate malabsorption.