DNA Lactose Intolerance Test
CA$89
Discover Your Dairy Tolerance
Are dairy products causing you discomfort? Our Lactose Intolerance DNA Test helps you understand your body’s ability to process lactose, the sugar found in milk.
- DNA Insights: Discover whether you carry one of five MCM6 variants linked to lactase persistence.
How It Works
Order your DNA Kit
Collect DNA Samples
Lab Analysis
Receive your results
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue where the body has difficulty fully digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens because of a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in your body.
Lactase converts lactose into simple sugars in the small intestine. Most people naturally produce less lactase as they get older, which can make it harder to enjoy dairy products like ice cream, cheese, or yogurt.
If you have lactose intolerance, you might feel these things after eating or drinking dairy:
- Bloating and gas
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
The severity of these symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed, the level of lactase your body produces, and even the types of bacteria in your gut.
The Genetics of Dairy Digestion
Why do some people struggle to digest dairy as they age? For most, it’s because their bodies produce less lactase over time, and this change is largely influenced by genetics.
The MCM6 gene acts like a switch that controls when and how much lactase is produced by our bodies. Some people have variations in this gene that allow them to keep producing lactase into adulthood, a condition known as lactase persistence.
Lactase persistence is more common in populations with a long history of dairy consumption, such as those in Europe and certain parts of Africa. These groups are more likely to carry variations in the MCM6 gene that allow them to continue enjoying dairy products without discomfort.
Your Lactose Test Results Explained
Your DNA Lactose Intolerance Test looks for changes in yourMCM6gene that are linked to lactase persistence. Knowing if you have these changes can help you understand how your body handles dairy. Here’s a breakdown of the changes (variants) that the test looks for:
| Gene | Variants | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MCM6 | rs4988235 | Commonly associated with lactase persistence in European populations |
| MCM6 | rs41380347 | Linked to lactase persistence often found in East African populations |
| MCM6 | rs145946881 | Linked to lactase persistence in some European and Middle Eastern populations |
| MCM6 | rs182549 | Commonly associated with lactase persistence and in Arabian populations |
| MCM6 | rs41525747 | Linked to lactase persistence found widely in East Asian populations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Once your sample is received by our laboratory, processing usually takes 6-8 weeks. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready, and you can access your detailed report through a secure online portal.
We take data privacy seriously. Your results are confidential and only shared with you. We do not share your results with insurance companies, employers, or any other third parties.
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