BACKGROUND:

Lactose, beta-galactose-1,4-glucose, is hydrolysed by the enzyme lactase. Lactose intolerance occurs when lactase deficiency causes clinical symptoms.

AIMS:

To provide an overview of lactose intolerance, including definition, aetiology and epidemiology, the clinical symptoms and diagnostic testing and management.

METHODS:

A literature review was carried out to meet the aims of this paper. This resulted in the analysis of a database of patients tested for lactose intolerance to provide examples of the consequences of problems of terminology identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

The terminology relating to lactose intolerance is confusing for clinicians and researchers. Clinicians need to ensure that these problematic terms do not cause diagnostic mistakes and inappropriate treatment. Researchers should be aware of inconsistent terminology in studies and resultant problems with the interpretation of results.