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Fructose breath hydrogen tests
J H Hoekstra1, A A van Kempen, S B Bijl
1Department of Paediatrics, Bosch Medicentrum, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study shows that children aged 1-3 years have difficulty absorbing fructose, similar to toddler diarrhea. Higher fructose doses (2 g/kg) led to incomplete absorption in all children tested.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Digestive Health
Background:
- Fructose malabsorption is a common issue affecting children's digestive health.
- Understanding fructose absorption in young children is crucial for diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fructose absorption in healthy children aged 0.1-6 years using the breath hydrogen test.
- To determine the impact of different fructose dosages (1 g/kg and 2 g/kg) on absorption rates.
- To explore the correlation between fructose malabsorption and age, particularly in relation to toddler diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 114 healthy children aged 0.1-6 years participated in the study.
- Children were administered either 1 g/kg or 2 g/kg of fructose.
- Fructose absorption was assessed using the breath hydrogen test, with peak excretions measured.
Main Results:
- All children (100%) receiving 2 g/kg of fructose exhibited incomplete absorption (peak breath hydrogen ≥ 20 ppm).
- At a 1 g/kg dose, 44% (25/57) of children showed incomplete fructose absorption.
- Incomplete absorption and higher peak hydrogen values were significantly more prevalent in children aged 1-3 years.
Conclusions:
- Children aged 1-3 years demonstrate a higher incidence of fructose malabsorption.
- The findings suggest a potential link between fructose malabsorption in this age group and the occurrence of toddler diarrhea.
- Dosage significantly impacts fructose absorption, with higher amounts leading to malabsorption in all tested children.
Abstract:
Fructose absorption was studied by the breath hydrogen test in 114 healthy children aged 0.1-6 years, given either 2 g/kg or 1 g/kg of fructose. All 57 children given 2 g/kg had peak breath hydrogen excretions > or = 20 ppm. At 1 g/kg only 25/57 (44%) showed incomplete absorption and the percentage incompletely absorbing fructose and the peak breath hydrogen value were significantly higher in children aged 1-3 years. Interestingly, this age distribution correlates with that of toddler diarrhoea.