Private Dietician

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is excessive bacteria in the small intestine. It can cause non-gastrointestinal symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms similar to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms. Both SIBO and IBS are closely linked.

The main problems of SIBO are:

• Problems with normal gut digestion and absorption of important nutrients
• Deficiencies of vitamins A & D and fatty stools
• Bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea or both (the symptoms of IBS). Excess gas can also cause flatulence.
• Damage to the intestinal lining increasing risk of food intolerances and food allergies. It can also lead onto leaky gut syndrome
• Systemic problems such as Chronic Fatigue
• Neurological and cognitive symptoms if acids secreted in large amounts into the blood.

This test measures levels of hydrogen and methane which are produced by bacteria in your gut after ingesting different sugars. The levels of hydrogen and methane will be measured from your exhaled breath and analysed to determine whether your gut is able to process different sugars appropriately.

The hydrogen and methane breath test is now a well established non-invasive test for assessing malabsorption of sugars. Currently, it is also the ‘Gold Standard’ test.

The dietitian will discuss your options for treatment with you if the test comes back positive. The main treatment options are:

• Antibiotics
• Specific Dietary change