Private Lactose Intolerance Test

Although lactose intolerance is not dangerous, its various digestive symptoms can make life uncomfortable. A test for lactose intolerance can help to confirm whether or not you are lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerance causes digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, and gas, as a result of the body’s inability to properly process the sugar lactose. It is also referred to as lactose malabsorption, as the small intestine does not make enough of the enzyme lactase, ensuring that the body digests and absorbs lactose.

A private test for lactose intolerance can help, as once you know you are lactose intolerant, you can then make the necessary dietary changes, avoiding food and drinks containing lactose. Nowadays, there are many alternative food and drink options meaning that following a lactose-free diet is achievable.

Do you experience digestive discomfort after eating dairy products? If so, you may be lactose intolerant. A test for lactose intolerance can help determine whether your digestive system encounters problems digesting the sugar lactose. Anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose, the following symptoms are commonly experienced by individuals with lactose intolerance:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Flatulence

There are three main types of lactose intolerance. Each type has a different root cause and timeline.

Primary lactose intolerance

The most common form of lactose intolerance develops as lactase production levels drop after childhood. Although lactase levels naturally reduce after infancy, with primary lactose intolerance, the levels of lactase fall too low, causing issues with digesting dairy.

Secondary lactose intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by an illness or injury to the small intestine, affecting its ability to produce sufficient lactase levels. Health conditions linked with secondary lactose intolerance include intestinal infection, coeliac disease, bacterial overgrowth, and Crohn's disease. With time, treating these disorders may restore lactase levels and improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Congenital or developmental lactose intolerance

This form of lactose intolerance is inherited. However, it is not common, as both the mother and the father must pass on the same gene variant for a child to have congenital lactose intolerance.

There are three main types of tests for lactose intolerance. The following tests are routinely carried out to help diagnose a suspected case of lactose intolerance:

Hydrogen breath test

After consuming a drink containing high levels of lactose, the amount of hydrogen in your breath is assessed at regular intervals. High levels of hydrogen measured in your breath is a sign that your body is not fully digesting and absorbing lactose.

Lactose tolerance test

Also administered after drinking a liquid containing high levels of lactose. A lactose intolerance blood test sample is taken to measure the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. Your glucose level should increase after consuming lactose, as it is normally broken down into glucose and galactose. If this doesn’t happen, this means that you are not properly digesting and absorbing lactose.

Lactose intolerance stool acidity test

The lactose intolerance stool acidity test requires a stool sample to be taken and analysed for signs of lactose intolerance. Fermenting lactose in the small intestines leads to the production of lactic acid. If lactic acid is found in the stool sample, this shows lactose is not being broken down properly. Acidic stool, with a low pH, is a sign that an individual may have lactose intolerance. Bluecrest Wellness offers the lactose intolerance stool acidity test for you to take in the convenience and comfort of your own home. The sample can then be sent through the post for processing and analysis.