7 Frequently Asked Questions About Lactose Intolerance Tests
Stomachaches, gas, loose stools - there are plenty of unfortunate consequences of lactose intolerance.
But how do you know if you're lactose intolerant? What if you're just prone to having stomach issues?
If you're experiencing chronic digestive discomfort, then you should consider lactose intolerance tests, especially if you feel pain after ingesting a lot of dairy.
Give yourself the best chance for comfort. Sometimes, taking a test can do just that.
So keep reading for seven frequently asked questions about lactose intolerance tests. Afterward, you'll be ready to change your lifestyle and diet for the better.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance refers to a body's inability to digest lactose, a natural sugar in dairy products. When a lactose-intolerant person ingests lactose, the lactose will move through the digestive system without proper digestion.
Is Lactose Intolerance an Allergy?
No. Allergies are defined by an immune system's misguided reaction to typically harmless substances. A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock, which can turn lethal.
Instead, lactose intolerance can be extremely uncomfortable. But while it causes discomfort, it usually does not result in serious medical consequences.
Who is at Higher Risk for Lactose Intolerance?
The most defining factor for lactose intolerance is ethnicity. Those of Asian, Hispanic, African, and Native American descent are at higher risk of lactose intolerance than others.
Ethnic Group % Of Lactose Intolerance in Adults
- Southeast Asians 98%
- Indian Adults 50%
- Asian Americans 90%
- African Americans 79%
- Mexican Americans 55%
- Northern Europeans 05%
A less common factor is premature birth. That's because the small intestine typically develops cells that produce lactase late into the third trimester. But babies born before that period don't usually have the chance to develop enough of those cells.
However, these are only risk factors, not risk guarantees. It's possible for an individual to meet all these criteria but not have lactose intolerance. Also, people can meet none of these criteria and still develop lactose intolerance.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
The body's inability to digest lactose starts with the small intestine. Once again, the small intestine is responsible for developing cells that produce lactase. Lactase is necessary for breaking down lactose.
We've already covered demographics that are at higher risk for lactose intolerance. But lactose intolerance can also be inherited from a parent. For that reason, lactose intolerance very commonly runs in families.
But sometimes, people can experience brief periods of lactose intolerance without experiencing it chronically. That's because conditions like short-term illness, especially stomach illnesses, can cause the small intestine to stop developing lactase-producing cells.
However, long-term illnesses can also cause long-term lactose intolerance. In these cases, lactose intolerance typically lasts as long as the disease does. However, long-term conditions may persist for life.
What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance occur primarily due to undigested lactose reaching the large intestines. Extra fluids will be drawn into the large intestines, where bacteria break down the lactose. It will result in the excess production of hydrogen gas and lactic acid. This may cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Stomachaches
These symptoms appear quite quickly after lactose ingestion. For that reason, it can be easy to tell whether someone has lactose intolerance.
However, some people are less lactose intolerant than others and are comfortable ingesting a small amount of dairy and milk. Not only that but some milk and dairy products are naturally low in lactose. Butter, probiotic yogurt, and hard cheeses are all low in lactose. Many lactose-intolerant people can digest these products with no problem. There may be individuals that are extremely lactose intolerant, but these foods are generally safe for most lactose-intolerant people to consume.
The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and the amount and type of dairy products ingested. Many people who suffer from the condition can successfully consume small amounts of dairy products with few or no symptoms. Some people confuse lactose intolerance with an allergy to cow's milk. Milk allergy happens due to a reaction by the immune system. The allergy is directed against a protein in the milk but not sugar. A person who has a milk allergy can suffer mild to severe symptoms and even life-threatening reactions within minutes to hours soon after consuming cow's milk. They can also experience hives and wheezing and the other symptoms associated with the allergy. Lactose intolerance affects more adults than children. On the contrary, milk allergies are much more common in young kids who tend to outgrow the allergy with aging.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
There are a number of other conditions and diseases that can cause a secondary form of lactose intolerance in addition to the natural intolerance associated with increasing age. Damage to the lining of the small intestines can lead to the inability to absorb lactose in a beneficial manner. Radiation therapy, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (or IBS), chemotherapy, overgrowth of bacteria, or infections caused by parasites all may result in a decreased lactose digestion. Stomach contents in the small intestines move much quicker than normal in some people. These people can suffer from the condition because of insufficient time to digest lactose. Lactase deficiency is grouped into three clinical syndromes – alactasia (or congenital lactase deficiency), hypolactasia (or primary adult lactase deficiency), and secondary lactase deficiency.
Congenital Lactase Deficiency
There are two genes linked to the production of the lactase enzyme. The LCT gene is responsible for the production of lactase, and the MCM6 gene is responsible for controlling the expression of the LCT gene. Mutations to the LCT gene may result in congenital lactase deficiency. It's an autosomal inheritance that requires one mutated gene from each parent. Congenital lactase deficiency is a rare form of lactose intolerance that begins at birth. It may severely inhibit the baby's ability to digest milk and milk-based formulas.
Primary Adult Lactase Deficiency
Primary adult lactase deficiency is a common form of lactose intolerance. It is linked to the decreased production of lactase in adults. The affected individual will be less likely to digest lactose due to this condition suitably. The intensity of the condition may vary depending on the ethnic and racial makeup. The MCM6 gene regulates the functions of the LCT gene. This will result in a decrease in lactase production over time (or non-persistence). Northern European people primarily have an inherited MCM6 gene mutation that could lead to persistence in digesting lactose in adulthood. People who don't have this mutation will lose the ability to produce lactase as they grow old, which may result in lactose intolerance in the long run.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are also prevalent in other gastrointestinal conditions, usually caused by a disease or damage to the small intestine lining. This can lead to the loss of lactase. Your healthcare provider can perform certain tests to determine the various conditions that have similar symptoms. Different conditions have different prognoses and treatments. Treating the primary condition can reverse the secondary lactose intolerance condition.
Here are some other conditions that have symptoms that are similar to Lactose Intolerance
- Crohn's disease
- Celiac sprue
- Whipple disease
- Bacterial growth syndrome
- Short bowel syndrome
- AIDS
- Tropical sprue
- Giardia infections
- Cystic fibrosis
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Zollinger Ellison syndrome
Laboratory Tests for Lactose Intolerance
The goal of lab tests for lactose intolerance is to diagnose the condition and distinguish it from other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Hydrogen breath test – This is the most effective lab test to diagnose lactose intolerance at this time. Breath samples of the patient are taken before (as the baseline) and at times after the person drinks a fluid with lactose. Hydrogen is produced in excess in the large intestines in a person who suffers from lactose intolerance. This hydrogen moves to the circulation system and eventually is exhaled by the lungs. Increased levels of hydrogen in the breath over time is a strong indicator of a lactose intolerance condition. Lactose tolerance blood test – Blood samples are tested for glucose at different times – once an oral dose of lactose is given to the person. If the glucose level in the blood doesn't rise, lactose intolerance may be present. This test is rarely ordered in a clinical environment.
- Stool Acidity pH test – This test is usually performed on infants and kids who cannot undergo other tests. Stools will become acidic when lactose intolerance is present.
Is there a Cure for Lactose Intolerance?
There is no "cure" for lactose intolerance, but there are many ways to make the condition more tolerable. Such methods include:
- Limiting milk/dairy intake
- Consuming milk/dairy products formulated to be lactose-free
- Taking tablets/powders that contain lactase when ingesting dairy
- Taking probiotics to improve digestive response
For most people, lactose intolerance does not severely impact the quality of their life. The most serious treatment is eliminating milk and dairy altogether, which is getting easier due to the increase in milk/dairy alternative products.
Sign up for Lactose Intolerance Tests Today!
At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer highly accurate and reliable tests - including lactose intolerance tests. Not only that, but we provide confidential results and don't require insurance or physician referrals. To top it off, our testing service is the most affordable out there.
After you get tested, your confidential results will be delivered online to your private patient portal within 24 to 48 hours for most tests. So take control over your health by ordering a lactose intolerance test now.
