The Xylose Breath Test consists of the oral administration of a xylose solution, followed by the collection of exhaled air samples every 30 minutes for 3 and a half hours (210 minutes).
Xylose is a simple sugar that is normally absorbed in the small intestine without being metabolized. When the intestinal mucosa is damaged or there is a transport deficiency, this sugar reaches the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria. The process produces gases (hydrogen and methane) that pass into the blood and are eliminated through exhaled air, allowing them to be detected in the test.
This test provides precise information to assess intestinal function and can help in the diagnosis of absorption disorders such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or damage to the intestinal mucosa.