What is lactose intolerance and how do you test for it?

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting lactose due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance is a common condition in which the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This is due to a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the small intestine. As a result, consuming dairy products in people with lactose intolerance can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and bloating.

How do you test for lactose intolerance?

There are several tests available to diagnose lactose intolerance. These tests measure how well your body can process lactose. Here are some methods you might consider:

1. Pre-Screening IgE "What Can I Eat?"

This test is designed to help identify possible food allergies, including allergies to milk proteins. It is a comprehensive test that measures specific IgE antibodies to various food allergens, including milk. This test can be useful in determining whether symptoms such as digestive problems, skin rashes or respiratory problems may be caused by an allergy to certain foods. It is important to note that allergy to milk protein differs from lactose intolerance because it is an immune response, whereas lactose intolerance is an enzyme deficiency.

2. iGene DNA Basic

The iGene DNA Basic test offers insight into your genetic predisposition to more than 240 conditions, including lactose intolerance. This test analyzes your DNA for variants that may indicate decreased production of the enzyme lactase, which is essential for lactose digestion. This genetic test can be decisive in understanding your predisposition to lactose intolerance, and can help you make dietary adjustments that can improve your well-being.

3. Allergy test Milk protein

This specific test measures your immune system's response to milk proteins. If your immune system produces specific antibodies in response to milk proteins, this may indicate a milk protein allergy. This test is important for distinguishing between a milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance because treatment and dietary restrictions differ between these two conditions.

Summary

These tests provide valuable information about how your body reacts to lactose and milk protein. By determining whether you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk protein, you can make more informed decisions about your diet and health. Each of these tests plays a specific role in identifying the underlying causes of symptoms you are experiencing, allowing you to implement a more personalized approach to your food intake. If you have symptoms indicative of any of these conditions, it may make sense to consider one or more of these tests to identify the cause of your symptoms and take appropriate action.