Use of the Triolein Breath Test for the Demonstration of Fat Malabsorption in Coeliac Disease

Abstract

Different screening tests for fat malabsorption were evaluated in patients with coeliac disease. The triolein breath test correlated well with results of faecal fat determination. Urinary excretion of oxalate with or without dietary oxalate loading was not correlated with faecal fat measurements. It is concluded that the triolein breath test is a useful procedure for the detection of fat malabsorption in patients with coeliac disease.

Key words:

• Breath test
• coeliac disease
• oxalate loading
• steatorrhoea
• triolein