Usage of the D-xylose Absorption Test

  >   Rahul's Noteblog   >   Notes on Gastroenterology   >   Usage of the D-xylose Absorption Test

What is D-xylose?

D-xylose is a simple sugar which doesn't need to undergo any digestive process before it can be absorbed. Its absorption only requires an intact proximal small bowel mucosa.

In normal individuals, 25 grams of D-xylose ingestion leads to a urinary excretion greater than 4.5 grams in 5 hours.

D-xylose and Pancreatic Insufficiency:

In individuals with pancreatic insufficiency, there is deficiency of pancreatic enzymes which leads to impaired digestion of fats, and absorption of D-xylose is not affected in any way.

D-xylose and Bacterial Overgrowth:

In individuals with bacterial overgrowth, there is increased bacterial consumption of D-xylose, causing decreased D-xylose absorption.

D-xylose and Celiac Disease:

In individuals with Celiac disease, the small intestinal mucosa is damaged, hence, imparing D-xylose absorption.

Additional Reading:

Basic Gastroenterology

1. Basic Gastrointestinal Physiology
2. Digestion FAQ, Defecation reflex, etc.
3. Digestion
4. Notes on Functions of the Liver
5. Notes on Jaundice
6. Types of Jaundice
7. Diagram of Gastric Blood Supply
8. FAQ on Gastric Digestion
9. Usage of the D-xylose Absorption Test

Gastroenterology Videos

1. Video of Abdominal Examination in a Clinical Setting

Related Topics

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders
2. Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disorders
3. Histology of the Digestive Tract I: Oral Cavity
4. Histology of the Digestive Tract II: Esophagus through Intestines
5. Histology of the Liver, Pancreas, and Gall Bladder
6. Abdominal Examination for Internal Medicine

Medical Images

Useful Medical Images & Diagrams (link opens in a new window)

Random Pages:

One Powerful Prayer written by an Anonymous Author Review of the HMT Janata Hindi Dial wrist watch
Video of me playing Unknown Easy Blues Piano Notes on Cell Components
Notes on Lower Limb Notes on Chlamydia
Notes on Gluconeogenesis What are the most common causes of aortic stenosis?
Significance of Glycosylated Hemoblogin (HbA1c) Notes on Hypothalamic-pituitary system
Notes on Basic Gastrointestinal Physiology One Powerful Prayer written by an Anonymous Author
Video of American Robin feeding her chicks What is an ELEK`s Test?
Why did I decide to become a doctor? Medical School Admissions Essay Video: Titanic Piano Theme: The Portrait
Corporate Failure: The Enron Case My Experience during the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
USMLE Blood Lab Values Regulation of Heart Rate by Autonomic Nervous System
Images of Antibodies Video of me playing Yanni`s "Nightingale"
Notes on Male Reproductive System Differentiation and Anatomy of a Blastocyst
Notes on Cell Components Notes on Nervous Tissue
Voices from Hell: My Experience in Mussoorie, India Video of Cardiology Examination in a Clinical Setting

Please Do Not Reproduce This Page

This page is written by Rahul Gladwin. Please do not duplicate the contents of this page in whole or part, in any form, without prior written permission.