D-Xylose Absorption Test
Results
The D-xylose test measures the level of D-xylose, a type of sugar, in a blood or urine sample.
Blood levels of D-xylose are highest about 2 hours after the drinking the D-xylose solution. Almost all of the D-xylose is eliminated from the body in the urine within 5 hours. If the Reference intestines Opens New Window can't absorb the D-xylose properly, the amount of D-xylose in the blood and urine will be very low.
Many conditions can change D-xylose levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
Normal
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
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Infants (5-gram dose): |
More than 15 Reference milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) Opens New Window or more than 1.0 Reference millimole per liter Opens New Window (mmol/L) |
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Children (5-gram dose): |
More than 20 mg/dL or more than 1.3 mmol/L |
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Adults (5-gram dose): |
More than 20 mg/dL in 2 hours or more than 1.3 mmol/L |
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Adults (25-gram dose): |
More than 25 mg/dL in 2 hours or more than 1.6 mmol/L |
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Children: |
16%–33% of the D-xylose dose is found in the sample. |
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Adults: |
More than 16% of the D-xylose dose or more than 4 grams (g) is found in the sample. |
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Adults age 65 and older: |
More than 14% of the D-xylose dose or more than 3.5 g is found in the sample. |
Low values
Low values may be caused by:
- A disease that interferes with the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients (Reference malabsorption syndrome), such as Reference celiac disease Opens New Window, Reference Crohn's disease Opens New Window, or Reference Whipple's disease Opens New Window.
- Inflammation of the lining of the intestine.
- Reference Short bowel syndrome Opens New Window.
- An infection with a parasite, such as Reference giardiasis Opens New Window or Reference hookworm Opens New Window.
- An infection that causes vomiting (such as food poisoning or the flu).
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
