Lactose Malabsorption Test
Lactose malabsorption is the failure of the intestine to digest or absorb the lactose sugar. Lactose intolerance is the symptoms that occur as a result of lactose malabsorption.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can begin soon after eating or drinking lactose containing food or drinks.
The Lactose Malabsorption test can be done in clinic or the test can be perfomed at home using a home testing kit.
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Symptoms of Lactose Malabsorption
Understanding my results
Your report will state either “Lactose malabsorption suspected” or “Lactose malabsorption not suspected.”
Lactose malabsorption suspected
Lactose malabsorption not suspected
As stated in the reporting criteria, a rise of 20 ppm or more above baseline within 180 minutes in either hydrogen (H₂) or methane (CH₄) is considered positive.
Lactose malabsorption and intolerance
Related terms, with different meanings.
Lactose malabsorption
What happens during digestion
- Difficulty digesting or absorbing lactose sugar.
- When there is not enough lactase, or it is not working effectively, lactose cannot be fully broken down for absorption.
- Undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, where bacteria break it down.
Lactose intolerance
The symptoms that result
- Symptoms caused by lactose malabsorption.
- Can begin soon after lactose-containing food or drinks.
- May include diarrhoea, gas, bloating, nausea, stomach pain or cramps, and flatulence.
The terms “malabsorption” and “intolerance” are often used interchangeably. Symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the degree of lactase deficiency and the amount of lactose consumed.
Lactose Malabsorption Test
The Hydrogen and Methane breath test is used to detect Lactose Malabsorption. This is a simple and non-invasive investigation.
The Lactose Malabsorption test can be done either in one of our clinic locations or the test can be perfomed at home using a home testing kit.
Samples are sent back to GastroLife for analysis.
Is ‘Milk Allergy’ the same as Lactose Intolerance?
Milk allergy and lactose intolerance are often mistaken as the same diseases.
Symptoms associated with Lactose malabsorption is termed Lactose intolerance. However, the word ‘Malabsorption’ and ‘Intolerance’ are often used interchangeably. Lactose malabsorption is the inability of a person’s body to digest the milk’s sugars adequately.
On the other hand, milk allergy refers to the adverse response of a person’s body to milk proteins. Milk allergy occurs due to a hyper-active response of your immune system against the proteins present in milk and other dairy products. The immune system mistakes milk proteins as harmful invaders to your body and launches an immune response to neutralise milk proteins.
FAQ
What is lactose intolerance?
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Excessive gas or flatulence
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?
Can I still eat dairy if I have lactose intolerance?
- Lactose-free milk and dairy products
- Hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, swiss) which contain little lactose
- Yogurt with live cultures (the bacteria help break down lactose)
- Small amounts of milk with meals
What foods contain lactose?
- Milk
- Cream
- Ice cream
- Soft cheeses
- Milk powders, whey, and casein in processed foods
What foods are safe to eat if I am lactose intolerant?
- Lactose-free dairy products
- Plant-based milks (soy, almond, oat, coconut, rice)
- Hard cheeses
- Butter and ghee (very low lactose)
- Non-dairy alternatives (vegan cheeses, creams, yogurts)
Can lactose intolerance develop later in life?
Is lactose intolerance genetic?
What is the difference between primary and secondary lactose intolerance?
How is lactose intolerance managed?
- Reducing or eliminating high-lactose foods
- Using lactose-free alternatives
- Taking lactase enzyme supplements before dairy consumption
- Identifying personal tolerance levels
Can lactose intolerance cause long-term health problems?
Should I get tested for lactose intolerance?
How much lactose can I tolerate if I am lactose intolerant?
Can lactose intolerance cause constipation?
Can lactose intolerance go away?
What’s the best test for lactose intolerance?
Can I take probiotics for lactose intolerance?
What are the different types of Lactose Malabsorption?
In newborn babies with lactose malabsorption, it can occur due to a genetic defect causing a deficiency of lactase enzymes. This is a rare condition termed Congenital Lactase Deficiency. In premature babies, Developmental Lactase Deficiency can cause a temporary lactose intolerance as the small intestine is not fully developed in babies born prematurely.
However, even if you had sufficient lactase enzyme in childhood, its function begins to diminish as people age. This is called Primary Lactose Intolerance and is the most common type of lactose intolerance.
In adults, lactose malabsorption and intolerance can occur as a result of a Secondary Lactase Deficiency. Secondary Lactase Deficiency occurs when injury to the small intestine or certain digestive disease reduces the amount of lactase a person produces. Examples would include coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Because lactase is found most abundantly at the tip of the intestinal villi, it is more vulnerable to intestinal diseases that cause cell damage than other sugars.
Clinical Based Testing for Lactose Intolerance
Testing for Lactose Malabsorption can be performed with a Lactose breath test.
This is a non-invasive clinical investigation. You will be asked to perform a baseline breath sample by blowing into a sample collection bag. Following this, you are given a lactose testing solution to drink. Breath samples are repeated at regular intervals.
If lactose is not absorbed, it travels to the large intestine. In the large intestine, the bacteria will break up the lactose sugar and gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide are produced. Hydrogen and methane have a small size which means that they pass easily through the wall of the intestine and into the blood stream. When your blood circulates around your body to your lungs, these gases diffuse out of the bloodstream and into your lungs where the gases are then measured in your exhaled breath samples.
Test Details
- Test Duration
- 3 hours
- Testing Age
- 10 years and above
- Referral
- No referral required
- Results
- Approx. 3-4 working days
- Clinic Test Fee
- €200
- Home Test Kit Fee
- €185
Lactose Testing Advice
Please note that if you are on a long-term antibiotic prescription, please contact us for testing advice.
Please note that GastroLife is a testing centre and undertakes the test only. It is always important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Lactose Pre-Procedure Instructions
A pre-procedure instruction sheet can be viewed by clicking the link below. This should be viewed and adhered to upon booking your appointment to ensure accurate results.
View InstructionsLactose Home Test Kit Contents
- 7 ×Pre-labelled breath collection bags
- 14 ×Blue air stopper caps
- 1 ×Testing substrate
- 1 ×Plastic clamp
- 2 ×Mouthpieces
- 1 ×Pre-labelled return envelope
- 1 ×Test Instruction Book
- 1 ×Consent Form
Shipping and T&C’s
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