Not sure what a a malabsorption test consists of, but I have SIBO and it kept recurring after a week off antibiotics because I kept eating too many carbs and sugars or foods that fed the bad bacteria in my panic to gain weight. I lost 20 lbs in two months and had either diarrhea or loose stools daily. Therefore, though I ate, the bad bacteria kept highjacking nutrients before my body could absorb them. After my third round of antibiotics I went on a low FODMAP diet under the guidance of a nutritionist, and it has made all the difference. Not only have I not relapsed in two months, but I have gained 10 lbs back. I think knowing what to eat, how, and the right proportions has made all the difference for me. Please read up on SIBO diets, such as Low FODMAPS and SCD. I knew nothing about this prior to August of 2018. Wishing you good health.

Hi. The test is actually a "hydrogen breath test" (google it for more info). As far as I know there are 3 individual types of hydrogen breath tests: fructose malabsorption/sugars, lactose intolerance, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Each test (mine done on separate days) takes a few hours. They take a breath measurement, have you drink some stuff, and then take measurements at intervals (ie, every 20 minutes). Basically if your body cannot digest the substance, it will ferment in the colon and produce hydrogen and other gases. That is what they are measuring. Larger than normal amounts of exhaled hydrogen measured during a breath test indicate that you aren't fully digesting and absorbing the substance.