Fecal Reducing Substances Test

A qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis reveals the presence of reducing sugars (such as lactose, glucose, galactose, and maltose) in stool that have not been absorbed in the small intestine. These sugars act as "reducing agents" in a chemical reaction with a specific reagent (such as Clintest), resulting in a color change that indicates their presence and approximate quantity. Their presence in large quantities suggests malabsorption or a deficiency of digestive enzymes.