Genetic analysis of lactose intolerance
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Non-obligation guidance
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is an intestinal mucosa abnormality. It occurs when a person’s organism does not adequately produce the lactase enzyme that is needed in order to metabolise the main sugar found in milk.
Lactose intolerance manifests with numerous symptoms. They include the most common ones such as abdominal pain and bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea, as well as several others including nausea, vomiting, headaches, an inability to concentrate, severe tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain and so on.
What is a lactose intolerance test?
When humans stop breastfeeding, their lactase activity reduces. The activity persists amongst populations that have traditionally been livestock farmers and that have sustained their ability to digest lactose in adulthood.
Continued lactase activity in adults and, therefore, an ability to digest lactose has been linked to two polymorphisms of the MCM6:C/T 13910 (intron 9) gene and G/A 22018 (intron 13). Polymorphisms 13910 C/C and 22018 G/G are linked to a lactase deficiency. The genetic test in question consists of determining if the individual has these variants and, therefore, if he or she can digest the lactose in milk.
When should a lactose test be taken?
When a person has symptoms of lactose intolerance, it is very important to understand if the cause is genetic (permanent intolerance) or not (temporary intolerance). The test should be taken whenever a person appears to have a lactose intolerance so that appropriate steps for each case can be taken.
How is a lactose intolerance test performed?
The procedure for performing a lactose intolerance genetic test is very simple and easy. It involves taking a simple sample of saliva using a cotton swab. An analysis using a saliva sample is the perfect option for children.
You can come to our facilities so that our team can perform the genetic test for you, or you can request the test on our webpage and perform it from the comfort of your home.
You will need to fill in a form with your personal data and select the option you prefer.
Payment can be made by credit card or by bank transfer. If you choose the latter, our staff will contact you to provide you with our bank details.
Once your request has been received, we will send you a kit for taking the sample to the address you have provided.
The laboratory will send you the results within a fortnight.
Are there any side effects to taking a lactose test?
There are no side effects to having the test and, once it has been completed, you will be able to take decisions regarding nutrition in order to suppress the symptoms.
How much does a lactose intolerance test cost?
The genetic intolerance to lactose test costs €150.