Gastric Acid Production, Pancreatic Secretions and Blood Levels of Higher Alcohols in Patients with Fungal‐type Dysbiosis of the Gut

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with gut dysbioses are clinically difficult to distinguish from those with food intolerance. The variety known as fungal‐type is associated with the generation of small amounts of ethanol in the blood. A recent study has shown abnormalities of histidine metabolism. In view of this, gastric function was studied. This also provided data on pancreatic function.Design: Two groups of newly referred patients, with similar symptom profiles, attending two clinicians were studied. Group A (42 patients) had positive ethanol fermentation tests: group B (37 patients) did not. There were 20 healthy control subjects. Levels of higher alcohols, short‐chain fatty acids, gastric acid production and pancreatic exocrine secretions were measured and compared statistically.Materials and Methods: Ethanol, higher alcohols and short‐chain fatty acids were measured by gas–liquid chromatography. Gastric acid production, emptying time and pancreatic function were measured using a swallowed transducer.Results: A si...