1. Validity of a Portable Breath Analyser (AIRE) for the Assessment of Lactose Malabsorption
- Author
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Aahana Shrestha, Utpal K. Prodhan, Sarah M. Mitchell, Pankaja Sharma, Matthew P.G. Barnett, Amber M. Milan, and David Cameron-Smith
- Subjects
carbohydrate malabsorption ,breath hydrogen ,personal health device ,milk ,dairy ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) measurement in exhaled breath is a reliable and non-invasive method to diagnose carbohydrate malabsorption. Currently, breath H2 measurement is typically limited to clinic-based equipment. A portable breath analyser (AIRE, FoodMarble Digestive Health Limited, Dublin, Ireland) is a personalised device marketed for the detection and self-management of food intolerances, including lactose malabsorption (LM). Currently, the validity of this device for breath H2 analysis is unknown. Individuals self-reporting dairy intolerance (six males and six females) undertook a lactose challenge and a further seven individuals (all females) underwent a milk challenge. Breath samples were collected prior to and at frequent intervals post-challenge for up to 5 h with analysis using both the AIRE and a calibrated breath hydrogen analyser (BreathTracker, QuinTron Instrument Company Inc., Milwaukee, WI, USA). A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001, r > 0.8) was demonstrated between AIRE and BreathTracker H2 values, after both lactose and milk challenges, although 26% of the AIRE readings demonstrated the maximum score of 10.0 AU. Based on our data, the cut-off value for LM diagnosis (25 ppm H2) using AIRE is 3.0 AU and it is effective for the identification of a response to lactose-containing foods in individuals experiencing LM, although its upper limit is only 81 ppm.
- Published
- 2019
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