What should I know about laktoseintoleranz testen?

Lactose intolerance testing is common, but not all methods are equally reliable. The genetic test for the LCT polymorphism (e.g., rs4988235) indicates whether you have the innate ability to produce lactase throughout life. This test is a one-time assessment independent of your current diet. However, it does not detect secondary lactose intolerance caused by gut diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease) or infections. The hydrogen breath test directly measures fermentation of lactose in the colon and is the clinical gold standard, but it requires prior lactose loading and can be confounded by factors like bacterial overgrowth. An elimination diet followed by a challenge is also a practical approach. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests like MyBody-X often include the genetic test, but interpretation should always consider clinical context. A positive genetic result does not guarantee symptoms—many people with the variant tolerate small amounts of milk. Conversely, people without the variant can develop lactose intolerance due to gut conditions. If you have persistent symptoms, consult a doctor before investing in expensive tests.