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Lactose is a sugar found in milk, & fructose is a sugar found in fresh fruit & some vegetables, as well as in processed foods. Both of these natural sugars can cause intolerance & have trouble being absorbed in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms such as gas, painful bloating, cramping, & diarrhoea.
Over time, these intolerances can build up unhealthy bacteria in the gut, which feed off undigested sugars. Our hydrogen breath test can evaluate your body’s tolerance to both fructose & lactose, targeting specific milk proteins & fruit sugars.
When should I get tested?
You can take these tests at any time, without a doctor’s referral. You may have noticed digestive symptoms related to dairy or fructose intake, or would like to rule out food intolerance in the context of various GI symptoms.
Full Allergy Screening
We also offer a Full Blood Allergy Panel, priced at £595, which includes the following:
- Pollen
- Mites
- Microorganisms & Spores
- Plant Food
- Animal Food
- Insects & Venoms
- Animal Origin
- Latex
- Ficus
- CCD (Human Lactoferrin)
- Parasite
Procedure
Step 1
Preparing for test
No special preparation is required.
Step 2
During the test
You will be given a small quantity of fructose and/or lactose, & then your breath will be tested at intervals to check your hydrogen levels.
Step 3
Results
Once we receive the results from the laboratory we will email them over to you. If the test was suggested by one of our doctors the doctor will give you a call to explain the results for you. If you didn't have a consultation at our clinic you can take the results to your own doctor or come back for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do lactose and fructose intolerance differ from allergies?
In short, an intolerance is caused by an enzyme deficiency. This leads to digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. Whereas an allergy is caused by the immune system reacting to the sugar. This may trigger hives, swelling, or, rarely, anaphylaxis. Blood tests can help detect antibodies or enzyme deficiencies associated with these conditions.
Who should consider getting this blood test?
If you are experiencing digestive discomfort after consuming dairy or high-fructose foods, or have unexplained bloating, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, we usually recommend getting tested.
Can I take this test if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Taking the test is usually safe, but please, always inform your healthcare provider, as your doctor may advise timing adjustments or alternative testing methods.
Do I need to consume lactose or fructose before the test?
No. Unlike breath tests, blood tests typically do not require you to ingest lactose or fructose before testing.
Can medications affect my test results?
Certain medications may influence allergy or intolerance markers. Therefore, we recommend you inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
