Lactose Tolerance Test
Definition A test that measures the ability of your intestines to digest lactose. This test is used to diagnose a deficiency of intestinal lactase (the enzyme used to digest lactose).
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Why is the Test Performed?
This test is used to diagnose lactase deficiency.
Lactose is a disaccharide (a type of sugar) in dairy products. During digestion, lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose, two simple sugars, by the intestinal enzyme lactase. Lactose-intolerant patients have a deficient or absent lactase enzyme. Bacteria metabolize the undigested lactose, producing gas such as hydrogen and other acid products.
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