Lactose Intolerance Test

About this test

Key Benefits

• Relevant for Dairy Related Digestive Symptoms: May be useful when allergy symptoms appear after milk, cream, yoghurt, cheese or other lactose containing foods.

• Measures Breath Gases: Analyzes hydrogen and methane produced during bacterial fermentation.

• Simple At Home Testing: Collect breath samples at home using the included test kit.

• Prepaid Return and Digital Results: Send your samples back using the included return materials and access your results online in 15 business days.

What This Test Measures

• Hydrogen
  Hydrogen may increase when undigested lactose is fermented by gut bacteria. Measuring hydrogen can provide insight into fermentation patterns after lactose intake.

• Methane
  Methane may be produced by methane producing microorganisms in the gut. Measuring methane alongside hydrogen gives a broader view of breath gas response and digestive fermentation patterns.

Breath Test vs Genetic Lactose Test

A breath test assesses how your body currently digests lactose by measuring gas production after lactose intake.

A genetic lactose test shows whether you have a genetic predisposition for reduced lactase production. The breath test therefore reflects current digestive function rather than genetic risk alone.

How It Works

1. Order Your Kit
Purchase your test online.

2. Prepare Before Testing
Follow the preparation instructions carefully before collecting your breath samples.

3. Collect Your Samples
Collect breath samples at home before and after drinking the lactose solution.

4. Send It Back
Mail your samples to the laboratory using the included return materials.

5. Receive Your Results
Access your digital laboratory results online in 15 business days.

Sample Collection

The sample is collected using a breath test at home. You collect breath samples at specific time points before and after drinking the lactose solution, according to the included instructions.

Correct preparation and sample timing are important, as diet, medication, supplements and gut activity can affect breath gas results.

Accredited Lab and Analysis

Your samples are analyzed in an accredited laboratory using GC (Gas Chromatography), a method used to measure hydrogen and methane in breath samples.

Biomarkers included

• Methane (CH₄): Methane breath testing is a diagnostic method that measures the amount of methane gas produced by intestinal bacteria. Methane is generated by specific gut microbes during the fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Elevated methane levels in breath tests are linked to conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance, which can cause sy
• Hydrogen (H₂): Hydrogen breath testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, which is produced by bacterial fermentation in the intestines. This test is commonly used to identify conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance. Elevated hydrogen levels suggest that undigested carbohydrates are being fermented by gut b

How to prepare

The test should be performed in the **morning**, approximately **1 to 2 hours after waking.** **4 weeks before testing** Avoid **antibiotics**, as they may affect gut bacteria and breath gas results. **1 to 2 weeks before testing** Avoid **probiotics, laxatives, proton pump inhibitors and enemas**, according to the included instructions. **3 days before testing** Avoid medicines that may affect digestion, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional. **24 hours before testing** Avoid **high fibre foods, gas forming foods and alcohol.** **12 hours before testing** Fast before the test. Only **water** is allowed. **Before and during the test** Avoid **smoking, exercise, sleep, chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash.** Follow the included instructions carefully before and during sample collection.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to prepare before the test?

Breath gas results can be affected by diet, antibiotics, probiotics, laxatives, digestive medication, fasting and sample timing. Following the preparation instructions helps make the result more reliable.

Which foods contain lactose?

Lactose is found in milk and many dairy products, including milk, cream, yoghurt, ice cream, soft cheeses and some processed foods containing milk ingredients.

How long does it take to perform the test?

The test takes exactly three hours to complete. You will take a total of five breath samples: one baseline sample before drinking the lactose solution, and then four more samples throughout the following three-hour period.

Do I need to be fasting to take the test?

Yes, for the most accurate results, you should perform the test in the morning while fasting. You should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water during the three-hour testing window.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Fast shipping and simple process.
• 4/5 — The kit arrived fast and the instructions were clear. Results took about 10 days as expected.
• 5/5 — Glad I finally did this, it confirmed exactly what I suspected about dairy.
• 4/5 — The fasting was a bit annoying but at least it was mostly when you slept. The test itself was simple enough. Great way to check gut health from home.
• 5/5 — Super easy to follow instructions and the results were very easy to understand.