Modification in the xylose absorption test as an index of intestinal function.

Abstract

COMMENT This paper confirms the fact that a small oral dose of d xylose (5 g.) gives good evi- dence of small bowel malabsorption when its excretion is followed in the urine. Much better localization of the intestinal defect can be gained by measuring the two-hourly and five-hourly urinary excretion after this dose. A normal five-hour excretion may be accompanied by a lowered two-hourly excretion, thus still indicating the presence of upper small bowel disease.