Fructose malabsorption associated with functional abdominal bloating: Case-control study

Table 1 Baseline characteristics of cases and controls, n (%)

Characteristics	Cases (n = 70)	Controls (n = 35)	P value
Age (years), median (range)	32.5 (18-74)	32 (18-48)	0.81
Gender	Males: 36 (51)	Males: 19 (54)	0.78
BMI (kg/m2), median (range)	22.3 (12.5-31.2)	21.9 (17.9-31.6)	0.82
Dietary pattern	Mixed: 52 (74)	Mixed: 28 (80)	0.52

BMI: Body mass index.

Table 2 Characteristics of the fructose hydrogen breath test among cases, n (%)/median (range)

S. No	Parameters	FHBT positive (n = 20)	FHBT negative (n = 50)	P value
1	FHBT - baseline H2	6 (0-14)	6 (0-12)	0.70
2	FHBT - peak H2	37 (22-124)	8 (0-27)	< 0.01
3	Methane - baseline	2 (1-9)	2 (1-16)	0.24
4	Methane - peak	4 (1-13)	3 (1-26)	< 0.01
5	Methane producers (CH4 ≥ 3)	8 (40)	24 (48)	0.54
6	Symptoms during FHBT	16 (80)	31 (62)	0.14

FHBT: Fructose hydrogen breath test.

Table 3 Univariate analysis of conditions and symptoms associated with the detection of fructose malabsorption by a fructose breath test, n (%)/median (range)

Characteristics	FHBT positive (n = 20)	FHBT negative (n = 50)	P value
Age (years)	26.5 (19-74)	36 (18-65)	0.01
Gender	Females: 15 (75)	Females: 19 (38)	0.01
Duration of symptoms (years)	2 (1-15)	2 (1-10)	0.69
BMI (kg/m2)	21.3 (12.5-26.6)	22.4 (15.6-31.2)	0.25
Dietary pattern	Mixed: 13 (65)	Mixed: 39 (78)	0.26
Bristol score (> 4)	5 (25)	3 (6)	0.26
Severity of bloating (severe)	9 (45)	12 (24)	0.20
PPI usage	16 (80)	47 (94)	0.07
Prokinetics	8 (40)	13 (26)	0.24
Abdominal distension	19 (95)	49 (98)	1.0
Belching	1 (5)	5 (10)	0.50
Flatulence	1 (5)	1 (2)	0.49
Nausea	3 (15)	3 (6)	0.22
Abdominal pain	2 (10)	5 (10)	1.0
Epigastric discomfort	9 (45)	8 (16)	0.01
Mucus in stools	5 (25)	4 (8)	< 0.05
Constipation	6 (30)	15 (30)	1.00
Loose stools	1 (5)	3 (6)	0.86

FHBT: Fructose hydrogen breath test; BMI: Body mass index; PPI: Proton pump inhibitor.