Lactose Intolerance DNA Test
Price: £49
Testing: 1 person
Timeframe: 10-15 working days from the moment the laboratory receives your samples.
We offer lactose intolerance testing which will confirm whether your genotype places you at a high risk of lactose intolerance or at a low risk enabling you to introduce a reduced lactose or lactose free diet. Results for the test are ready in 10-15 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory.
More Reasons for a Lactose Intolerance DNA Test
You might think you are lactose intolerant but in fact you are not! Many individuals associate their symptoms with lactose intolerance but in reality their bodies are perfectly able to break down lactose. If a DNA test shows you are at low risk of lactose intolerance, your health care provider may direct you to other tests which can be used to diagnose conditions that have similar symptoms, for example, Crohn’s disease.
Why am I Lactose Intolerant?
You are lactose intolerant because you carry a mutation in a gene that makes your body is unable to produce enough of the enzyme which breaks down the sugar in milk know as lactase. If lactase is not broken down, an individual will end up suffering from the many of the uncomfortable symptoms you are already very familiar with when they eat anything containing lactose.
These side effects can include:
-
- Abdominal bloating
- Cramps,
- Flatulence,
- Diarrhea, nausea,
- Borborygmi,
- Vomiting (particularly in adolescents)
The inadequate level of lactase enzyme in your body means lactose goes through your intestine mostly indigested, causing the above side-effects. Lactase makes it possible for our bodies to break down the sugar lactose into more simple and easily absorbed sugars.
What will your Test Results Show?
The test analyzes the Beta-D-Galactosidase gene and determines whether the enzyme responsible for lactose digestion is functioning. This will establish whether there is an intolerance or non-intolerance and hence if dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes are required. You can see a sample report here.
Some common FAQs
Is lactose intolerance always genetic?
Most cases of lactose intolerance are actually genetic. However, they may also be environmentally induced – a medical condition which is known as secondary or acquired hypolactasia. Hypolactasia is could be due to a number of factors including damage to the intestinal lining following surgery. Individuals who have no consumed milk for a long time could also suffer from lactose intolerance. If you do not consume lactose containing products for many years, your body may stop producing lactase.
Can I reverse lactose intolerance?
Unfortunately, there is no way of reversing lactose intolerance to become “lactose tolerant”. The only thing that works is modifying your diet and either eliminating all lactose containing products or reducing the intake, depending on the severity. You will need to test the extent to which lactose affects you and tailor your lactose intake accordingly. Many lactose intolerance people can tolerate limited amounts of lactose.
Is Lactose only in dairy foods?
Unfortunately, lactose is found in many foods and is often a hidden ingredient in one of its many derivatives. Some examples are: breads, processed breakfast cereals, instant potatoes, soups, margarine, lunch meats, pancake mixes, cookies, and powdered coffee creamers. Medicines can also contain lactose so read labels carefully and let your pharmacist know you are lactose intolerant.
What other clinical tests do you offer?
International Biosciences provide genetic testing to determine your genetic predisposition for many important health conditions including cancers, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular conditions, diabetes and obesity. Read more about out genetic health test.
International Biosciences offers genetic predisposition testing for a total of 92 hereditary types of cancer. Identify your genetic susceptibility to cancer and that of your family. View our cancer predisposition panel and find out more about the test.
