Lactose Intolerance DNA Test
Find out if you carry genetic variants associated with lactose intolerance with the DNA Lactose Intolerance test.
Measures:
Collection methods:
Buccal swabs
$149.00
- Discreet shipping
- Accredited lab
- Secure Online Results
- Highest accuracy
- Discreet
- Results in 1-3 business days
About the test
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition where the body is unable to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This occurs when the production of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, decreases with age.
Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort after consuming dairy. This condition is primarily genetic, with specific DNA variations affecting lactase production.
This DNA test analyzes key genetic markers associated with lactose intolerance, providing lifelong insight into your ability to digest dairy. No dairy consumption is required for accurate results—simply provide a painless mouth swab sample for testing.
Genetic Profile
Genetics of Lactose Intolerance and Lactase Persistence
Lactose intolerance is primarily influenced by variations in the MCM6 gene, which regulates the activity of the LCT gene responsible for lactase production. Five common genetic variants in MCM6 are associated with lactase persistence, allowing individuals to continue digesting lactose into adulthood.
Those who inherit at least one of these variants are less likely to experience lactose intolerance, while individuals without these variants have a higher risk of developing lactose intolerance as lactase production declines with age.
The Lactose Intolerance DNA Test examines five key genetic markers in the MCM6 gene, which are associated with either lactose intolerance (the typical condition) or lactase persistence (a genetic adaptation allowing continued lactose digestion):
- rs41525747
- rs4988235
- rs41380347
- rs145946881
- rs182549
Lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, is broken down by the enzyme lactase. Produced in the small intestine, lactase splits lactose into two smaller sugars—glucose and galactose—which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
When lactase production is low, undigested lactose accumulates in the large intestine, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria. This can cause:
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Gurgling and rumbling sounds from the abdomen
Lactose intolerance varies widely across different ethnic groups. Historically, lactase persistence evolved in populations with a strong reliance on dairy. As a result, lactose intolerance is common in:
- 90% of Asian Americans
- 70% of African Americans
- 95-100% of Native Americans
- 50% of Mexican Americans
In contrast, it affects less than 25% of Caucasians and only about 5% of people of Northern European descent, where dairy has been a dietary staple for generations.
Which Genetic Markers Are Analyzed in the Lactose Intolerance DNA Test?
The Lactose Intolerance DNA Test examines five key genetic markers in the MCM6 gene, which are associated with either lactose intolerance (the typical condition) or lactase persistence (a genetic adaptation allowing continued lactose digestion):
- rs41525747
- rs4988235
- rs41380347
- rs145946881
- rs182549
How is lactose digested?
Lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, is broken down by the enzyme lactase. Produced in the small intestine, lactase splits lactose into two smaller sugars—glucose and galactose—which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
When lactase production is low, undigested lactose accumulates in the large intestine, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria. This can cause:
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Gurgling and rumbling sounds from the abdomen
Prevalence of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance varies widely across different ethnic groups. Historically, lactase persistence evolved in populations with a strong reliance on dairy. As a result, lactose intolerance is common in:
- 90% of Asian Americans
- 70% of African Americans
- 95-100% of Native Americans
- 50% of Mexican Americans
In contrast, it affects less than 25% of Caucasians and only about 5% of people of Northern European descent, where dairy has been a dietary staple for generations.
How it works
CHOOSE TEST
COLLECT SAMPLE
GET YOUR RESULTS
You might also like
Genetics of Lactose Intolerance and Lactase Persistence
Lactose intolerance is primarily influenced by variations in the MCM6 gene, which regulates the activity of the LCT gene responsible for lactase production. Five common genetic variants in MCM6 are associated with lactase persistence, allowing individuals to continue digesting lactose into adulthood.
Those who inherit at least one of these variants are less likely to experience lactose intolerance, while individuals without these variants have a higher risk of developing lactose intolerance as lactase production declines with age.
