How does a lactose intolerance DNA test work?

For just £109 you can begin taking steps to decrease the discomfort and take better control of your well-being, for a healthier and happier you.

An inability to produce sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase is caused by a small, single change in a DNA sequence located on a gene known as the LCT gene. Lactase is the enzyme which helps the body break down the sugar lactose into simpler and more easily absorbed sugars. If we do not produce enough lactase, much of the lactose we ingest passes unchanged through our intestine and then through the colon. The unabsorbed sugar is transformed by the action of bacteria into unabsorbed gasses and fats which are the causes of some of the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance affects about 15% of Caucasians in the USA and Europe. In Chinese and Japanese individuals this figure soars up to 80%

Why take this test?

There are other tests used to determine whether you are suffering from lactose intolerance. However, tests require that you actually consume lactose-containing products. Depending on how badly you suffer from this condition, these tests can cause added discomfort. A DNA test does not require you consume any lactose containing foods. If you are at a high genetic risk, the test will confirm this even if you are on a lactose-free diet.

Carrying out the lactose intolerance DNA test

Carrying out our lactose intolerance test is simple and straightforward. You will just need to send us a DNA sample collected using mouth swabs. We will provide the mouth swabs inside the kit we send you. Kits include:

 

  • Instructions
  • Consent forms
  • Self-addressed return envelope
  • Mouth swabs

Once you have collected the required samples, you can send these back for testing at the laboratory. Results will be issued in 3-4 weeks from the moment we get your samples at the laboratory.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance

The symptoms of lactose intolerance are very non-specific and could in fact be causes by other conditions. These include:

 

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloating
  • Gas

These non-specific symptoms are exactly why you really need this DNA test. If you have a gene which predisposes you to lactose intolerance and places you at a high risk, it is likely that the symptoms you experience when ingesting lactose are caused by intolerance to the sugar.

Excluding all lactose containing products to see if the symptoms ease off completely is the most common way of diagnosing the condition. If the test excludes the presence of the gene, you know that it is highly unlikely that the symptoms you have are due to lactose intolerance.

Products containing lactose:

The below are just some of common products we consume which commonly contain milk or lactose.

  1. Bread
  2. Baked goods
  3. Processed breakfast cereals
  4. Instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks
  5. Margarine
  6. Lunch meats (except those that are kosher)
  7. Salad dressings
  8. Candies
  9. Chips and other processed snacks
  10. Mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies
  11. Soft cheeses
  12. Milk
  13. Nondairy whipped toppings
  14. Nondairy liquid and powered coffee creamers

Consider a celiac disease genetic predisposition test

Do you experience discomfort, such as abdominal pain and bloating, after you eat certain foods such as bread or pasta? Do you think you might be celiac? Click here to read more about this test we offer.


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