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D-xylose is a type of sugar which is normally
absorbed by the
intestines
but it is not used in the body. Eventually the D-xylose is passed out of the body
in the urine.
For the D-xylose absorption test,
a drink containing the sugar is swallowed. Then the amount of D-xylose in
urine and blood samples is measured. The test is done to determine if the
intestines are absorbing nutrients properly.
Blood levels of D-xylose are highest
about 2 hours after it is swallowed. Almost all of the D-xylose is passed
out in the urine within 5 hours. If the intestines cannot absorb the D-xylose
properly, its amounts in the blood and urine will be very low.
D-Xylose Absorption Test Results
Normal
Normal values may vary widely from lab to lab.
D-xylose in blood
Infants to age 5 months:
Greater than 15 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in 1 hour
Children age 6 months to 16 years:
Greater than 20 mg/dL
Adults, age 17 and older:
21–57 mg/dL in 2 hours
D-xylose in urine
Age 65 and younger:
16%–40% of the D-xylose swallowed is found in the 5-hour urine sample
More than 4 grams (g) in a 5-hour urine sample
Age 66 and older:
Greater than 14% of the D-xylose swallowed is found in the 5-hour urine sample
More than 3.5 g in a 5-hour urine sample
More than 5 g in a 24-hour urine sample
Lower than normal values may mean
Low amounts of D-xylose in the blood
and urine samples suggest that the small intestine is not able to absorb nutrients
from food properly. This can be caused by diseases such as
Crohn's disease, sprue,
celiac disease, and Whipple's disease.
Low levels
may also indicate inflammation
of the lining of the small intestine or an infection with a
parasite (such as giardiasis
orhookworm disease).
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