Lactose is a key in of sugarfound in milk.
Some people lack enough of the lactase enzyme that breaks down lactose.
People who do not produce enough lactase may havesymptoms after eating dairyproducts that include diarrhea and abdominal pain.
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Some people might need or want to be formally tested.
Discuss the need for this testing with a healthcare provider.
A breath test or a blood test can be used if testing is done.
Do You Need a Lactose Intolerance Test?
You may not need testing.
you might know that you’re lactose intolerant by noticing symptoms in relation to consuming dairy products.
These kits are similar to the hydrogen breath test performed at healthcare facilities.
A home test compares breath hydrogen before and after drinking a lactose-containing beverage.
This test is completed at home and then sent to a lab for analysis.
Steps in home testing may include:
A home test kit may not be covered by health insurance.
Check with your insurance provider.
For Infants and Children
Most infants can digest lactose.
Hydrogen breath testing can be done.
As babies grow into toddlers, their bodies may have trouble digesting lactose.
This is called acquired lactose intolerance.
It’s thought that almost 70% of adults have lactose intolerance.
Secondary lactase deficiency can happen after an infection withrotavirusor giardia.
These infections can damage thesmall intestineand lead to lactose intolerance.
The problem reverses when the infection resolves.
They may also recommend a temporary dairy-free diet to confirm lactose intolerance.
Further testing, such as a breath or blood test, may be warranted in some cases.
Lactase is an enzyme that can help break down lactose, which might help avoid symptoms.
A long-term calcium and vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone-thinning conditions such asosteopeniaor the more advancedosteoporosis.
Some people may be able to tolerate a certain amount of lactose without symptoms.
Not all dairy products contain high levels of lactose.
Summary
Lactose intolerance is usually diagnosed by symptoms after eating or drinking dairy products.
Breath or blood testing is often not needed but may be performed.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of lactose intolerance.
American College of Gastroenterology.Lactose Intolerance overview.
Robles L, Priefer R.Lactose intolerance: what your breath can tell you.Diagnostics (Basel).
2020;10(6):412. doi:10.3390/diagnostics10060412
University of California San Francisco.Lactose tolerance tests.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Lactose intolerance.
IFDW Institute for Digestive Wellbeing.Lactose intolerance test - home breath test kit with 4 test tubes.
Metabolic Solutions.Test instructions LI.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Lactose intolerance in infants and children: parent FAQs.
2017;10(1):41. doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0173-0
