DNA Lactose Intolerance Test

How is lactose digested?
The lactase enzyme is responsible for the digestion of the lactose sugar found in dairy products. Lactase is produced in the small intestine and breaks down lactose into two smaller and more readily absorbable sugars – glucose and galactose.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance causes undigested lactose to build up in the large intestine, resulting in the growth of gas-producing gut bacteria. Lactose intolerance symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Gurgling and rumbling sounds from the abdomen

How common is lactose intolerance?
The likelihood of lactose intolerance depends on ethnicity. Lactose intolerance is the wild type phenotype (the “norm”) and the variants providing lactase persistence occurred, and were selected for, when there was an increased reliance on dairy as a food source. Many ethnicities are predominantly lactose intolerant, including 90% of Asian Americans, 70% of African-Americans, 95-100% of Native Americans and 50% of Mexican-Americans. In contrast, less than 25% of Caucasians and only about 5% of people of Northern European ancestry are lactose intolerant, due to an increased reliance on dairy as a food staple in the past.

Genetics of lactose intolerance and lactase persistence
Five genetic variants in the regulatory MCM6 gene are the most common genetic variations allowing for lactase persistence. The MCM6 gene encodes a protein that controls the production of other proteins, including lactase, encoded by the nearby LCT gene.

Individuals with at least one of these variants are unlikely to suffer from lactose intolerance, while individuals that do not carry any of these variants have an increased risk of lactose intolerance.

Four Easy Steps

Step 1: Order text kit online

Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a simple and painless mouth swab

Step 3: Mail samples to the lab in the provided return envelope

Step 4: Receive your results online