Retrospective analysis of a lactose breath test in a gastrointestinal symptomatic population of Northeast Italy: use of (H2+2CH4) versus H2 threshold

摘要

BackgroundLactose malabsorption is normally evaluated by measuring exhaled H2 produced by intestinal flora, from unabsorbed lactose. However, differing microbiome composition can lead to the production of CH4 instead of H2; hence, some authors challenge the H2 method sensitivity and favor the evaluation of both intestinal gases.