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Stool Reducing Substances

Stool reducing substances (SRS) are substances that can be detected in the feces and indicate the presence of certain carbohydrates that have not been fully absorbed by the body. The most common reducing substances found in stool are glucose, fructose, galactose, lactose, and sucrose. The presence of SRS in the stool can be an indication of various gastrointestinal disorders such as malabsorption syndromes, lactose intolerance, and carbohydrate intolerance. These conditions can affect the ability of the body to digest and absorb certain carbohydrates, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. To test for SRS, a stool sample is collected and mixed with a chemical reagent that reacts with reducing substances. If reducing substances are present, the mixture will change color. Quantitative tests can also be performed to measure the amount of SRS present in the stool. It is important to note that the presence of SRS alone is not diagnostic of a particular condition and further testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the abnormality.

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