Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine is unable to make enough lactase. This enzyme converts lactose (milk sugars) into sugars more accessible to the body (such as glucose).
This means that milk & dairy products containing lactose will cause digestive symptoms when eaten.
Symptoms usually include painful gas, bloating, & diarrhoea, & can lead to a build-up of bad bacteria in the gut, as they feed off the undigested lactose.
We offer lactose intolerance testing, using a hydrogen breath test, for specific milk proteins, including:
- Alpha-lactalbumin – milk protein
- Beta-lactoglobulin – milk protein
- Casein – milk protein
- Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep’s milk
- Whey
When should I get tested?
You may want to have this test if you are experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance & noticing digestive difficulty after consuming dairy & milk products.
You may also be advised to have this test by a doctor, in order to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. You can have this test at any time.
What the test includes
The test for lactose intolerance is a breath test.