What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is caused by insufficient production of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine that breaks down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption. Without enough lactase, undigested lactose moves into the colon where bacteria ferment it, producing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This lactase deficiency can develop naturally with age, as enzyme production decreases after childhood, or it can be genetic, particularly common in people of Asian, African, Hispanic, and Native American descent.

What is the best test for lactose intolerance?

The Allergen Specific IgE Lactase test is the most important blood test for lactose intolerance because it measures IgE antibodies specific to lactase and helps determine if lactase deficiency is causing your digestive symptoms. This test provides direct insight into your body's ability to produce the enzyme necessary for lactose digestion. Additionally, the Whey (f236) IgG and Beta lactoglobulin (f77) IgG tests are valuable for distinguishing between lactose intolerance and dairy protein sensitivities, helping identify whether your symptoms stem from enzyme deficiency alone or combined immune responses to milk proteins.

When should I get tested for lactose intolerance?

You should get tested if you consistently experience bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk, cheese, ice cream, or other dairy products. Testing is especially important if you notice these symptoms interfering with your daily life or if you have a family history of lactose intolerance. You should also consider testing if you are avoiding dairy products without confirmation of intolerance, as you might be missing out on important nutrients unnecessarily.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance typically appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products and include bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. The severity of symptoms depends on how much lactose you consume and how little lactase your body produces. Some people can tolerate small amounts of dairy without problems, while others experience severe discomfort even from trace amounts of lactose in processed foods or medications.

Who is at risk for lactose intolerance?

People of Asian, African, Hispanic, and Native American descent are at higher risk for lactose intolerance due to genetic factors that cause lactase production to decrease after childhood. Your risk increases with age, as lactase production naturally declines in most adults. Additionally, people with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or those who have had intestinal surgery or radiation therapy may develop secondary lactose intolerance due to damage to the small intestine where lactase is produced.

What happens if lactose intolerance is left untreated?

If lactose intolerance is left unmanaged, continued consumption of dairy products will cause ongoing digestive discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea that can significantly impact your quality of life. Chronic diarrhea may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. More importantly, avoiding dairy without proper dietary planning can result in calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, increasing your risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Proper diagnosis and management through testing helps you make informed dietary choices while maintaining adequate nutrition.

Can lactose intolerance be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, blood tests can help diagnose lactose intolerance and distinguish it from dairy protein allergies. The Allergen Specific IgE Lactase test measures antibodies related to lactase deficiency, while the hydrogen breath test remains the gold standard diagnostic method. Blood tests measuring IgG antibodies to whey and beta lactoglobulin help identify whether your symptoms are caused by lactose intolerance, dairy protein sensitivity, or a combination of both, allowing for more targeted dietary management.

How is lactose intolerance treated?

Lactose intolerance is primarily managed through dietary changes, including limiting or avoiding dairy products based on your individual tolerance level. Many people can consume small amounts of dairy, especially hard cheeses and yogurt with live cultures, which contain less lactose or helpful bacteria. Lactase enzyme supplements taken before consuming dairy can help digest lactose and prevent symptoms. Lactose-free milk and dairy alternatives fortified with calcium and vitamin D ensure you maintain proper nutrition while avoiding discomfort.

How can I prevent lactose intolerance symptoms?

You can prevent lactose intolerance symptoms by limiting or avoiding dairy products, taking lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy, and choosing lactose-free alternatives. Consuming dairy with meals rather than alone slows digestion and may reduce symptoms. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss contain minimal lactose, while yogurt with live cultures provides beneficial bacteria that help digest lactose. Gradually introducing small amounts of dairy can help you identify your personal tolerance level and prevent unnecessary dietary restrictions.

What natural remedies help with lactose intolerance?

Natural remedies for lactose intolerance include consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, and fermented vegetables, which contain beneficial bacteria that help digest lactose. Choosing naturally aged cheeses that are lower in lactose, such as parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss, allows you to enjoy some dairy without symptoms. Drinking lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives fortified with calcium and vitamin D ensures adequate nutrition. Taking lactase enzyme drops or tablets before consuming dairy provides the enzyme your body lacks, allowing you to enjoy occasional dairy products without discomfort.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

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Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Lactose Intolerance Blood Test

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where the body cannot properly break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is caused by insufficient production of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in the small intestine. The Allergen Specific IgE Lactase test is the most important test for diagnosis as it measures whether lactase deficiency is causing your symptoms.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com