The SIBO 3-Hour Test by Genova Diagnostics is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)—a condition in which excessive bacteria reside in the small intestine. This bacterial overgrowth can disrupt digestion and cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients.
The test measures the levels of hydrogen (H₂) and methane (CH₄) gases in the breath, which are byproducts of bacterial metabolism. It provides essential insights to help healthcare providers diagnose SIBO and tailor effective treatment plans.
What is the SIBO 3-Hour Test?
How the Test Works
- Lactulose Ingestion:
- The patient drinks a solution containing lactulose—a non-absorbable sugar fermented by intestinal bacteria.
- Breath Sample Collection:Breath samples are collected at regular intervals over three hours. The patient exhales into a collection device, capturing gases produced by the bacterial fermentation of lactulose.
- Gas Analysis:a. Hydrogen: Elevated levels suggest an overgrowth of hydrogen-producing bacteria.
b. Methane: Increased methane is often linked to constipation-predominant symptoms, indicating the presence of methane-producing bacteria.The timing and concentration of these gases help identify SIBO. For instance, a rapid increase in gas levels—typically within the first two hours—is indicative of SIBO.
Who Should Take the 3-Hour SIBO Test?
While there is also a 2-hour version of the SIBO test, the 3-hour test offers a more comprehensive view and is particularly useful for:
- Patients with slower gastrointestinal transit or constipation
- Those with complex or chronic digestive issues
SIBO often occurs when surgical procedures or underlying conditions impair normal gut function, leading to bacterial overgrowth.
Conditions Associated with SIBO
A variety of health conditions can either contribute to or be exacerbated by SIBO:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Many IBS patients also test positive for SIBO, with overlapping symptoms such as bloating and irregular bowel movements.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation, as seen in Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can impair gut motility and promote bacterial overgrowth.
- Celiac Disease: Damage to the small intestine from gluten intolerance can
disrupt digestion, creating a favorable environment for SIBO. - Diabetes: Neuropathy in diabetic patients can slow down gut motility, leading to bacterial stasis.
- Fibromyalgia: Many fibromyalgia patients experience digestive symptoms
similar to SIBO, suggesting a potential gut-brain connection. - Rosacea: There is evidence that treating SIBO can improve rosacea symptoms, highlighting the link between gut health and skin conditions.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Impaired gastrointestinal function in Parkinson’s patients can increase the risk of developing SIBO.
- Obesity: Changes in the gut microbiome seen in SIBO may affect metabolic
function and weight regulation.
Common Causes of SIBO
Several factors can contribute to SIBO, including:
- Low Stomach Acid: Naturally low acid levels or the use of medications like PPIs (Prilosec, Pepcid) reduce the stomach’s ability to control bacterial growth.
- Impaired Gut Motility: Conditions such as gastroparesis, chronic constipation, and intestinal surgeries (e.g., C-sections, hysterectomies) can disrupt normal digestion and encourage bacterial overgrowth.
- Stress and Diet: Chronic stress affects motility and immune function, while diets high in sugar, processed carbs, or alcohol can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Infections: Previous gastrointestinal infections, including food poisoning and exposure to bacteria like H. pylori or E. coli, can also trigger SIBO.
Symptoms of Micronutrient Deficiency
Deficiencies are often hard to detect. You may notice no symptoms at all, or they may be so slight as to produce only mild, tolerable symptoms. Then again you may exhibit more intolerable symptoms that seem to have no apparent cause. You eat right, you exercise, but still you experience:
Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet. This can be a sign of vitamin B deficiency, especially B6, B12 and folate, or result from a calcium deficiency. This symptom is related to the deficiency’s effect on the peripheral nerves, which may also be exhibited as anxiety, depression, fatigue and hormone imbalances.
Cracks at corners of your mouth. This could be a sign of zinc, iron or B2 vitamin deficiency.
Hair Loss or a red, scaly rash on the face. A deficiency in vitamin B7 could be the culprit here. B7 (also known as biotin) is well-known for the role in plays in strengthening hair and nails.
Acne-like bumps on arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. These bumps might result from a vitamin A or vitamin D deficiency. Insufficient omega-3s may also be a factor.
Leg, feet or toe muscle cramps. Cramps might indicate a deficiency of magnesium, calcium and/or potassium, especially if recurring.
Fatigue/low energy. May be due to any number of micronutrient deficiencies, including folic acid, iron, iodine, copper, sodium, or vitamins B12, B5, B1.
Altered sense of taste. Suspect a copper deficiency, or a zinc deficiency which affects both taste and the sense of smell.
Impaired wound healing. Copper, zinc, and vitamin C all play roles in wound healing.
Clotting and bruising issues: Iron, folic acid, vitamin C.
Allergies. Might be due to insufficient selenium which also could cause heart muscle disorders and immune system deficiencies. Vitamin B6 also has a role in allergic reactions.
High blood pressure/heart issues: Micronutrients are vitally important to heart health. Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, calcium, phosphorus, selenium or potassium can cause anything from cardiac arrhythmias and circulatory problems to stroke.
Tired eyes/cataracts. Vitamins A, B2, B12, and C all play a role in eye health. In fact, vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in children, and has been shown as a cause of night blindness in pregnant women.
Symptoms of SIBO
- SIBO symptoms vary, but the most common include:
- Bloating that worsens as the day progresses
- Gas, burping, and diarrhea
- Unintentional weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
Immediate bloating or discomfort after meals due to rapid fermentation by
bacteria - Improvement on a Low-FODMAP diet (which limits fermentable carbohydrates)
- Symptom relief with antibiotics but worsening with probiotics, as adding
more bacteria may exacerbate overgrowth.
What Does the SIBO 3-Hour Test Measure?
The SIBO 3-hour test measures hydrogen and methane levels in eight breath samples collected over the testing period. Before starting the test:
- Fasting for 12 hours is required.
- Avoid taking probiotics 24 hours before the test.
The collected samples are shipped to Genova Diagnostics for analysis.
How to Get Started
To begin the SIBO testing process:
- Schedule an appointment with a LivingYoung Wellness provider.
- A specialty test kit will be shipped to your home with step-by-step instructions
for sample collection.
Note:
• The test is not recommended for individuals with a lactulose allergy or those
following a lactose-restricted diet.
Take control of your digestive health—book your consultation today!
Click here to view a sample of this test.
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