Clarification of food intolerances

We offer our specialized services, including professional nutritional advice and breath tests for food intolerances and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), to improve your quality of life.

H2 breath test in gastroenterology: when is it useful?

The H2 breath test is carried out if there is a suspicion of carbohydrate intolerance or malabsorption. These occur when certain food components are not sufficiently digested or absorbed in the intestine due to an enzyme deficiency. The undigested carbohydrates reach the large intestine, where they are broken down by bacteria to form gas. Typical symptoms are flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, dizziness or nausea may also occur.

Which intolerances can be detected with the H2 breath test?

• Lactose intolerance: Those affected react to dairy products such as cow's milk, yoghurt or soft cheese.
• Fructose malabsorption: Fruit sugar (fructose) is contained in fruit, vegetables and many ready-made products.
• Sorbitol intolerance: Sorbitol is a sweetener that is found in many sugar-free and "light" products.

When is the H2 breath test still used?

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): An unusual accumulation of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to flatulence and diarrhea.
• Determination of the orocecal transit time: This involves analyzing the speed at which food mash is transported through the digestive tract.

How does the H2 breath test work?

During the test, the patient drinks a defined amount of a certain sugar. The hydrogen content (H2) in the exhaled air is then measured at set times. An elevated H2 value indicates that undigested carbohydrates are being broken down by intestinal bacteria.

What factors can influence the test result?

• Previous use of antibiotics or a colonoscopy.
• Smoking or chewing gum before and during the test.
• Taking certain medications.

What to do if the test result is positive?

If the test shows an intolerance, the type of sugar in question should be avoided or replaced with suitable enzyme preparations. In the case of lactose intolerance, for example, lactase can be taken in tablet form.

Is the H2 breath test also useful for irritable bowel syndrome?

The H2 breath test can help to rule out other causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Studies show that many irritable bowel syndrome patients benefit from a low FODMAP diet, which can be optimized with a breath test.

Where can an H2 breath test be carried out in Switzerland?

The H2 breath test can be carried out easily in a doctor's surgery. It is non-invasive, takes around two to three hours and can also be used on children.

Our services at a glance:

1. Professional nutritional advice: Our experienced nutritional advisors create individual nutrition plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier or manage specific health problems, we offer comprehensive support for a balanced diet.

2. Breath tests for precise diagnoses: Our state-of-the-art breath tests enable precise diagnoses of various gastrointestinal disorders, including food intolerances and bacterial overgrowth/mis-colonization (SIBO).

• Lactose intolerance (lactose intolerance)
• Malassimilation of sucrose
• Malassimilation of fructose (fructose intolerance)
• Malassimilation of sorbitol
• Bacterial overgrowthin the small intestine(SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Determination of the orocecal transit time

Reasons for our nutritional advice and breath tests?

• Individualized care: We take time for each patient and offer personalized advice and diagnoses tailored to your unique needs.
• Highly qualified team: Our nutritionist and breath testing specialists are highly qualified and experienced to provide you with the best possible care.
• Accurate diagnoses: Our breath tests are highly accurate and provide reliable results to help you manage your health challenges.
• Holistic approach: We understand that nutrition and health are closely linked. Our holistic approach aims to help you not only with diagnosis, but also with improving your quality of life in the long term.

Make an appointment and contact us.