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Carbohydrates are the body's principal energy source, supplying fuel for cellular operations. They are categorised into basic and complex forms and serve important functions in metabolism. Excess carbs can be stored as glycogen or converted to fat for energy storage.

The stool for reducing substances test reveals unabsorbed carbohydrates in the faeces. Sugars such as lactose, fructose, and glucose are routinely broken down and absorbed by the intestine. This test detects sugars that have not been digested, which may indicate lactose intolerance, malabsorption syndromes, or short bowel syndrome.

If you are looking for a reputable "stool for reducing substances test near me", City X-Ray Scan and clinic provides seamless online booking, quick home sample collection, and accurate test results.

What is the Stool for Reducing Substances Test?

The Stool for Reducing Substances Test is a simple but significant diagnostic test that detects the presence of unabsorbed sugars in the stool, including glucose, lactose, fructose, galactose, and maltose. Typically, these sugars are absorbed in the small intestine during digestion. When the gut fails to absorb carbohydrates adequately, the sugars move into the large intestine and end up in the stool, causing fermentation, bloating, and diarrhoea. This test is very beneficial for identifying carbohydrate malabsorption, lactose intolerance, and infantile diarrhoea. 

Why is the Stool for Reducing Substances Test Recommended?

Doctors recommend this test when they suspect carbohydrate malabsorption or when signs of intestinal enzyme insufficiency appear. The test helps determine whether unabsorbed carbohydrates are causing gastrointestinal problems.

Doctors prescribe this test for the reasons listed below:

• The diagnosis of lactose intolerance: Lack of the lactase enzyme causes an inability to digest lactose. • Common in newborns suffering from viral or bacterial gastroenteritis.
• Detecting Other Sugar Malabsorption: Malabsorption disorders involving fructose, glucose, or galactose. • Aids in detecting rare genetic disorders such as galactosaemia.
• Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhoea: Persistent loose stools may indicate sugar malabsorption.
• Assessment for Infants and Children: Infants may develop secondary lactose intolerance as a result of intestinal inflammation.
• Monitoring Recovery: Used to assess the improvement in digestion following food alteration or medication.