Test diet - hydrogen breath test
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a diet with minimal carbohydrate and dietary fibre.
Characteristics
Avoids cereals, fruit, vegetables and dairy foods.
Indications
This is a test diet used for a hydrogen breath test, to diagnose lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth.
Nutritional adequacy
Not nutritionally adequate.
Precautions
The test diet is usually required for 18 hours prior to the test.
Paediatrics
Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | Plain roasted or grilled meats, poultry and fish Plain omelettes | All casseroles All peas, beans and lentils |
| Sauces, gravies | None | - |
| Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | None | - |
| Vegetables | None | - |
| Soups | None | - |
| Sandwiches | None | - |
| Salads, dressings | None | - |
| Breads, cereals | None | - |
| Spreads | None | - |
| Hot breakfast choices | Eggs, plain omelette, grilled bacon | Baked beans, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, spaghetti |
| Fruit | None | - |
| Yoghurt | None | - |
| Desserts | None | - |
| Milk and cheese | Hard cheeses | All others |
| Beverages | Black tea and coffee Low-joule cordial and soft drink Water | All others |
| Biscuits | None | - |
| Miscellaneous | Salt, pepper | - |
References
- Northeastern Hydrogen Breath Testing. Preparation for the test. 2009.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand. NUTTAB Online searchable database: foods that contain total dietary fibre.