Stool pH
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- pH units
Stool pH is measured as part of a Complete Stool Examination to evaluate for carbohydrate malabsorption. When sugars (like lactose) are not absorbed in the small intestine, they are fermented by colonic bacteria into short-chain fatty acids, which lowers the pH. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing lactase deficiency or other disaccharidase deficiencies in both children and adults.
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Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Stool pH is highly dependent on diet and transit time. A high-protein diet can lead to more alkaline stool, while high carbohydrate intake or the use of certain antibiotics can significantly alter the results, potentially masking malabsorption.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Stool pH:
Official Sources
- Malabsorption Syndromes - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelfncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Stool pH Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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