Lactose Intolerance test, interpretation and advice

A breath test to determine intolerance to lactose.

Breath test to assess lactose intolerance, an inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

The hydrogen breath test is a simple non-invasive procedure, and which has greater reliability and acceptability than the blood test, according to many reports. The lower dose of lactose usually does not cause the discomfort and explosive diarrhoea frequently seen by malabsorbers who are given the larger dose required for the blood test.

Intolerance to lactose typically lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea or cramping when dairy products are digested. These symptoms are a result of the body’s lack of lactase, an enzyme normally produced by the small intestine that is needed to digest lactose.

Aerodiagnostics incorporate external blind proficiency tests for additional quality checks for accuracy of results, guarding against potential variations in shipping and environmental influences.

Disclaimer:

Lactose breath testing can help identify whether your body has difficulty absorbing lactose, which may contribute to symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. However, the test is not always reliable—some people test positive but tolerate lactose well, while others test negative but still experience symptoms.

A more practical approach is to try a lactose elimination diet, removing high-lactose foods for a few weeks and then gradually reintroducing them to see how your body reacts. If symptoms persist, the breath test may provide additional insight, but it should not be the only factor in managing your diet.