--- title: I'm lactose intolerant. Can I drink the lactulose solution in the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) test kit? description: If you're lactose intolerant, you can drink the lactulose solution as it's not lactose. --- [Skip to content](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/i-am-lactose-intolerant-can-i-drink-the-lactulose-solution-in-the-sibo-test-kit#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![HP-logo-414-1.png\]](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HP-logo-414-1.png?height=40&name=HP-logo-414-1.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to healthpath.com](https://healthpath.com/) [Go to healthpath.com](https://healthpath.com/) Hello. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help centre](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Taking a test](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/taking-a-test?hsLang=en) 3. [SIBO Breath Test](https://helpcentre.healthpath.com/en/knowledge/taking-a-test?hsLang=en#sibo-breath-test) # I'm lactose intolerant. Can I drink the lactulose solution in the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) test kit? ## If you're lactose intolerant, you can drink the lactulose solution as it's not lactose. The process the manufacturer uses to make lactulose removes lactose from the solution, although trace amounts may still remain. This means that the lactulose solution is most likely fine for those with lactose intolerance however would not be suitable for those with milk allergies. ### Why we use lactulose for the SIBO test Studies have shown that lactulose produces the most reliable results in SIBO tests, which is why we use it as standard. It is less likely to result in a false-negative result. A double-blind randomised study revealed that 84% of IBS patients exhibited bacterial overgrowth based on lactulose breath testing. Lactulose also travels through the entire small intestine without being absorbed, where as glucose is quickly absorbed in the first three feet of the small intestine. This means that any bacterial overgrowth further along in the small intestine will be missed. Glucose is also consumed by bacteria. ### Should I use glucose instead? Some practitioners use glucose in addition to lactulose to further confirm a SIBO diagnosis, but we do not feel this is necessary. 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