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SIBO Test

SIBO testing to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and improve your digestive health.

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What is the SIBO test?

The SIBO test (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a diagnostic test that detects an abnormal presence of bacteria in the small intestine, a condition that can disrupt digestion and cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. This test is based on measuring gases such as hydrogen and methane in the breath after ingesting a specific substrate (such as lactulose or glucose). An abnormal increase in these gases indicates the presence of bacteria in areas where they should not be present in high amounts. The SIBO test is a key tool in the assessment of functional digestive disorders and helps guide personalised treatments to improve intestinal health.

SIBO is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. These bacteria ferment food prematurely, producing gas and affecting nutrient absorption. It may be related to altered intestinal motility, prolonged use of antibiotics, stress, digestive surgeries or gastrointestinal diseases.
Common symptoms include abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, heavy digestion and a feeling of fullness after eating. It can also lead to fatigue, food intolerances or nutritional deficiencies due to poor absorption.
The test involves breathing into a specific device at regular intervals after ingesting a solution (lactulose or glucose). Breath samples are collected over several hours to analyse hydrogen and methane levels. It is a non-invasive, safe and simple test.
Proper preparation is essential to ensure reliable results. This includes following a low-fermentation diet beforehand, fasting for at least 8–12 hours, avoiding antibiotics or probiotics in the days prior (as advised by a doctor), and not smoking or engaging in intense exercise before the test.
An early increase in hydrogen or methane in the breath suggests bacterial overgrowth. The predominant gas can indicate the type of SIBO (hydrogen or methane), which directly influences the treatment approach.
Correctly identifying SIBO helps avoid misdiagnoses such as irritable bowel syndrome and allows for more effective treatments, significantly improving digestive symptoms.

Restore balance to your digestive health

The SIBO test is essential for identifying the cause of many digestive problems that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other conditions. An accurate diagnosis allows for targeted treatments, improving digestion and restoring intestinal wellbeing. More and more people are turning to this test as part of a comprehensive approach to digestive health, especially when experiencing persistent symptoms or when conventional treatments have not been effective.

Accurate SIBO diagnosis

Identifying SIBO helps treat the root cause of issues such as bloating, gas or diarrhoea, improving quality of life.

Personalised treatment

Test results allow treatment to be tailored according to the predominant gas, optimising therapeutic effectiveness.

Prevention of complications

Early diagnosis helps prevent problems related to poor nutrient absorption and deterioration of intestinal health.

Frequently Questions

No, it is a completely non-invasive test that simply involves breathing into a device at regular intervals.
It usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the protocol used and the type of substrate administered.
If SIBO is confirmed, a healthcare professional will recommend a personalised treatment, which may include specific antibiotics, dietary changes and digestive support.

Trust in out professionals

Susana Navarro

Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Malaga and Specialist in Clinical Analysis

Emelina Garcia

Laboratory Specialist Technician.

Isabel García

Bachelor in Biological Sciences from University of Málaga.

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