Hydrogen Breath Test for Lactose Intolerance
The hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance is a non-invasive, low risk, accurate and fast tool to identify this uncomfortable condition. Metabolic Solutions makes it easy for healthcare professionals to test for lactose intolerance by providing breath test kits and lab services to analyze the breath samples. We offer a low cash price, and if you qualify we can directly bill patient’s health insurance. No long term commitments, no minimum orders and no risky out of pocket costs. This test is an important tool in maintaining patient wellness while offering the potential for new profit center opportunity.
Why is it important to test for Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance affects an estimated 50 million Americans. This condition is common in Asian, African, African-American, Native American, and Mediterranean populations than it is among northern and western Europeans.
Studies have shown that nearly 50% of people who self-report milk intolerance are not maldigesters. Instead they suffer from a functional bowel disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children or some other gastrointestinal complication. Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) occurs in 10 to 15% of school-age children. In self-reported milk intolerants, it has been found that there is a significant, unnecessary reduction in milk consumption and insufficient dietary calcium intake.
The diagnosis of lactose intolerance has relied on an interview process coupled with removing milk (and milk products) from the diet, laboratory tests and jejunal biopsy. The interview process is overly simplistic and quite imprecise. First, nearly 50% of people who self-report milk intolerance are normal digesters of lactose and secondly, 70% of the people with lactase-deficiency (although symptomatic) fail to correlate the broad gastrointestinal symptoms of this disease to the intake of lactose.
What are the symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gas (flatulence)
- Nausea
What is the principle of the Hydrogen Breath Test?
The lactose intolerance hydrogen breath test uses the orally ingested carbohydrate lactose as a substrate. The patient, once properly prepared for the test, takes a baseline breath sample and ingests 25g of lactose dissolved in water. Next, the patient collects additional breath samples at 60, 120 and 180 minutes, post ingestion.
Hydrogen and methane gas are only produced in the body from intestinal bacteria. Bacteria ferment sugars such as lactose to hydrogen and/or methane gas. Hydrogen and methane are absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, enter the vasculature, and get transported to the lungs. A change in the level of hydrogen and/or methane gas above 20 parts per million is diagnostic for lactose intolerance. The majority, but not all of the population produce hydrogen gas. However, approximately 15% of patients are methane producers rather than hydrogen producers. These patients will only be properly diagnosed by measuring methane levels. As a result, each breath specimen is measured by Metabolic Solutions for both hydrogen and methane levels.
How do you treat Lactose Intolerance?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend that people with lactose intolerance choose milk products with lower levels of lactose than regular milk, such as yogurt and hard cheese. Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products, available at most supermarkets, are identical to regular milk except that the lactase enzyme has been added. Lactose-free milk remains fresh for about the same length of time or longer than regular milk if it is ultrapasteurized. Lactose-free milk may have a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk. Soy milk and other products may also be recommended. People who still experience symptoms after dietary changes can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme drops or tablets. Taking the tablets or a few drops of the liquid enzyme when consuming milk or milk products may make these foods more tolerable for people with lactose intolerance. Parents and caregivers of a child with lactose intolerance should follow the nutrition plan recommended by the child’s doctor or dietitian.