A lactose intolerance test takes time. It is often even the case that you will need to visit your GP several times for a lactose intolerance test. There are several ways to test lactose intolerance. We recommend that, after reading this information, you ask your GP or dietician about the options available, as every person’s body responds differently to certain substances.
Lactose intolerance test at your GP
A frequently-used lactose intolerance test is a hydrogen breath test. In this test, hydrogen is measured in your breath. This is done both before and after you have consumed a sugar solution containing lactose (3 hours after). This lactose intolerance test is taken to ascertain whether the intestines can digest lactose properly or not. The hydrogen breath test can be taken at the hospital, under the supervision of a specialist.
A second method of testing lactose intolerance is the lactose tolerance test. In this test, lactose is administered and a check is made at various points as to whether lactose is still present in the blood, as people with lactose intolerance do not digest lactose.
A third and frequently-used test is the elimination-provocation test. This involves not consuming lactose-containing products for a certain period; the ‘elimination’ part of the test. After this period, a certain amount of lactose is then added to the ‘diet’; the ‘provocation’ part of the test. If people respond to the lactose, a diagnosis of ‘lactose intolerance’ is made.
Lactose intolerance and the consequences
If lactose intolerance is diagnosed during a lactose intolerance test, this means that you should probably follow a lactose-free diet. This can sometimes be difficult, as lactose is incorporated in many products. Kerutabs lactase tablets can help if you want to enjoy products that contain lactose every now and then. Read more information about our lactase tablets!