Description

Genetic test for lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is a widespread metabolic disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose due to a shortage of the lactase enzyme. Lactase activity is high during infancy, when milk is the main source of nutrition, and declines after the weaning phase in most mammals.

Approximately 75% of the world’s population loses the ability to digest lactose. The prevalence of adult type lactose intolerance varies depending on ethnicity, from less than 5% in north-western Europe to almost 100% in some Asian populations. Clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose, such as dairy products.

The onset of symptoms is directly related to the quantity of ingested lactose. The severity of symptoms varies, depending on the amount of lactose each individual can tolerate.

It is important to distinguish lactose intolerance from other conditions, for example irritable bowel syndrome, which have very similar symptoms.

LCT gene encodes lactase, an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. LCT gene polymorphism -13910C>T (HGVS: g.30366C>T, rs4988235) has been associated with adult-type lactose intolerance.

This test is done from a finger prick sample is sent in the post to the laboratory for analysis.

Please note this test can NOT be combined with other tests in one transaction.

Testing kit will consist of one purple top tube, please make sure to write date of birth first and last name on the sample tube and include the form before sending it back.