Description

Lactose Intolerance Breath Test

Identify Dairy-Related Digestive Issues | Shipping Nationwide

Overview

The Lactose Intolerance Breath Test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps determine if your body has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This condition occurs when the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose.

When undigested lactose reaches the colon, it ferments, producing hydrogen and/or methane gas, which causes uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, cramping, gas, diarrhea, or nausea.

Who Should Get Tested?

You should consider this test if you:

  • Experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea after eating dairy
  • Are uncertain whether your symptoms are caused by lactose intolerance or another digestive issue
  • Suspect a secondary lactose intolerance due to a recent infection, antibiotic use, or chronic gut inflammation
  • Want to confirm lactose intolerance without an elimination diet
  • Are managing IBS, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel conditions and want clarity on dietary triggers

This test is appropriate for both adults and children.

What This Test Measures

This test detects the presence of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath after consuming lactose. Elevated levels indicate that lactose is not being properly digested and is instead fermented by gut bacteria.

What You'll Receive with Your Results

  • A time-based graph of hydrogen and methane levels
  • Identification of abnormal gas production patterns linked to lactose intolerance
  • Interpretation summary to guide dietary decisions
  • Practitioner-friendly data to support targeted treatment plans

Shipping & Processing

  • Nationwide shipping available
  • Shipping time to you: 3–5 business days
  • Sample processing time: 1 business day
  • Pre-paid return shipping & test kit box included

Collection & Preparation Instructions

This test is time-sensitive and must be followed carefully for accurate results.

14 Days Before Testing:

Avoid:

  • Antibiotics
  • Barium studies
  • Colonoscopy
  • Enemas

If you've had diarrhea recently, wait at least 14 days before testing.

🍽 24 Hours Before Testing:

Follow a very restricted prep diet. You may only consume:

Drinks (no sugar, sweeteners, or cream):

  • Plain water
  • Plain black coffee
  • Plain tea

Proteins (baked or broiled only):

  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Turkey

Other Food:

  • Plain white rice
  • Eggs
  • White bread (only)
  • Plain white potatoes (no skin)
  • Clear chicken or beef broth

Seasonings:

  • A pinch of salt or pepper only

Avoid:

  • Laxatives, antacids, Metamucil, Citrucel, and similar medications

12 Hours Before Testing:

  • Begin fasting for 12 hours (you may drink plain water)
  • You may brush your teeth as normal

Day of Sample Collection:

  • No food or drink other than water until testing is complete
  • Avoid the following 1 hour before and during collection:
  • Smoking
  • Vaping
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Sleeping
  • Vigorous physical activity
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Follow the timed breath collection instructions in your kit
  • Use the test kit box to ship your samples back to the lab on the same day of collection

Why Choose This Test?

  • Easy, non-invasive home testing
  • Clinically accurate and widely used by functional and conventional providers
  • Provides clear insight into symptoms triggered by dairy products
  • Helps eliminate guesswork around elimination diets
  • Supports personalized nutrition planning