Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Prepraration for your SIBO breath test

If you have recently purchased a SIBO test or your Doctor has ordered one for you, you will find all the information you need to perform the test.

If your Doctor has ordered the test a separate report, not available on the app, will be sent through to them for interpretation withinn 2 working days of completing your test.

Watch the full video for important information on preparing for the test. You will need to have access to a mobile phone and download the FoodMarble app from the app store, you can find the links below.

Lactulose or glucose will be required for the test. If you purchased the device from humanpeople and selected this option, the sachets will be packed with your device. Otherwise, you will need to purchase lactulose from your chemist/drug store. The test requires 10g or 15ml (3.3g per 5ml) of standard lactulose. Mix the lactulose with around 240ml (8 ounces) of water.
Download the FoodMarble app. It is the blue FoodMarble app on Apple and can be found in the google play store and FoodMarble app google.
IMPORTANT: Accept the email link from FoodMarble to allow humanpeople to access your clinical data. This will be the email your provided to your Doctor/ signed up with. If you have received this, contact [email protected].
After you have accepted this link, the lactulose and glucose food challenges should appear. If they do not, you may need to log out and back into the app, and they will then show up.

The preparation aims to make the bowel as empty as possible. Lactulose is not absorbed; only the gut bacteria produces gas.

Therefore the only way that gas can be produced is when the lactulose comes into contact with the organisms in our gut. It usually takes 90 minutes for this to happen.

You need to fast for 12 hours; doing the test an hour after waking in the morning is advised.

This test uses lactulose as its testing agent and is not recommended for individuals who have had allergic reactions to lactulose or are on a galactose/lactose-restricted diet.

An alternative testing solution is glucose.

Lactulose or glucose should be used with caution in diabetics, as it can potentially raise blood sugar.

We do not suggest collecting during an acute infectious illness.

This collection is highly time-sensitive. Please plan the morning around these timed collections carefully. An uninterrupted 2 or 3 hours is ideal.

Seven days before the test:

Avoid the use of laxatives, stool softeners and stool bulking agents. Try to minimise the use of antacids or medication for reflux.

24 hours before the test:

You must limit your diet. Here are foods that you CAN eat before you start your 12-hour fast: Baked or grilled chicken, fish or turkey (salt and pepper only), white bread (only), plain steamed white rice, eggs, clear chicken or beef broth (no vegetable pieces).
Allowed beverages include water, plain coffee, and tea (no sugar/artificial sweeteners or cream).
Do not take probiotics.

12 hours before:

You should fast for 12 hours before the first breath collection. This means do not eat or drink anything other than water during the specified time frame.
Please don't take non-essential medications or supplements until the test is completed unless your Doctor has let you know otherwise.
Wait to chew gum or use mouthwash until the test is completed.

1 hour before:

No smoking, including second-hand smoke, for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the breath test.
No sleeping or vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the breath test (this includes waiting at least 1 hour after waking for the day).
Do not use toothpaste.

IMPORTANT Other tips: