Genetic predispositions to lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance

Test for lactose intolerance without leaving home!

If you are noticing symptoms of lactose intolerance in yourself, take a genetic test and find out if you do indeed have a genetic predisposition towards primary lactose intolerance. Now you can take the test without leaving home.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose is a milk sugar that requires lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, to digest. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to failure to break down lactose, which then ferments in the large intestine. The result is gas formation and irritation of the mucosa of the digestive system, which in turn leads to unpleasant discomfort and pain.

You can take a test to determine your genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance, so you can tailor your diet to your individual needs.

Benefits of the lactose intolerance test:

• A do-it-yourself test to take at home
• Easy sample collection for testing
• Fast identification of whether your lactase deficiency is congenital or acquired
• Certainty of getting a correct result (the sensitivity of the test is 99%)
• The results of the test will allow you to implement an appropriate diet that will eliminate unpleasant stomach discomfort
• You will receive the saliva sample self-sampling kit delivered by courier within 5 business days

You will receive the test results by courier. They will be sent within 14 working days weeks after the sample is sent.

How to collect the material for lactose intolerance test?

The patient collects material for genetic testing on their own - it is a smear from the cheek mucosa. The collection kit delivered to the patient includes a swab stick and instructions for collecting the material. The rules of collection should be strictly followed and the attached instructions should be adhered to. Check how to collect material for genetic testing.

The test result depends primarily on the quality and quantity of DNA in the collected material.

The result of the test is sent directly to the address indicated by the Patient. It does notinclude medical consultation in Medicover Centres and its interpretation. In the event of a test result indicating predisposition to lactose intolerance and the occurrence of symptoms in the Patient, the result should be consulted with the attending physician.

Objectives and limitations of the test

The basic purpose of the test for lactose intolerance is to identify the genetically determined (lactase) enzyme deficiency. Genetic testing allows to determine genetic predisposition to primary lactose intolerance (the so-called adult hypolactase). It is caused by a mutation in the LCT gene encoding lactase. Most people have variants of the gene responsible for the normal activity of the lactase enzyme throughout life. About 30% of people have a genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance, which does not mean that they will develop symptoms. Despite lactase deficiency, some people tolerate a certain amount of lactase in their diet, while others, who believe that they do not tolerate lactase, often have no enzyme deficiency.

Every genetic test has its limitations. Depending on the circumstances and the purpose of the test, the test will involve different therapeutic procedures and recommendations. Do not start any form of therapy on your own without consulting your doctor first. Each genetic test performed requires interpretation of the results by a specialist in clinical genetics.