Sickly Sweet: The Development of a Standardized Method for Testing Lactose and Fructose Intolerance and Malabsorption

Abstract

Lactose intolerance has been a known cause of gastrointestinal distress for many years. Recently, it has come to attention that fructose intolerance elicits many of the same symptoms as lactose intolerance. The consumption of fructose has more than doubled in the past twenty years; conversely, the instances of fructose intolerance have also increased. Fructose and lactose intolerance are measured using similar methods. While there are common practices and guidelines used when testing fructose and lactose intolerance and malabsorptive issues, there is no official standard method including precise practices for before, during, and after the test. Therefore a standard system was created by comparing methods used in previous studies. If used on a wide scale, the standard system will enable researchers to compare results of different studies. Ultimately, this would enable researchers to gain a better understanding of lactose and fructose intolerance and malabsorptive issues in order to develop improved treatments and potential cures.