Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is lactose intolerance?
• How does the test work?
• How much does the test cost?
• When should I order a test?
• Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?
• When will I receive my kit?
• Sample collection
• When will I receive my results?
• What can the results of the test tell me?
• How accurate is the test?
• What are the benefits of testing for lactose intolerance and celiac disease at the same time?

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a sugar composed of galactose and glucose and mainly found in dairy products such as milk.

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue where the body fails to produce enough of the lactase enzyme, which is required to break down lactose in the body.

Most mammals are born with the ability to digest lactose because it is the sugar found in mammalian breast milk.

However, for people who are lactose intolerant, the body produces little to no lactase. This means that the sugar remains intact and is fermented by bacteria in the colon, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.

There are four types of lactose intolerance: primary lactose intolerance, secondary lactose intolerance, developmental lactose intolerance and congenital lactose intolerance.

An AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test looks for variations in the MCM6 gene that are linked to primary lactose intolerance.

This type is hereditary, meaning that it can be passed down to children if they receive two copies of the recessive ‘lactase non-persistence’ alleles from their parents.

There is no cure for lactose intolerance. However, it can be easily managed by adhering to a lactose-free diet.

How does the Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test work?

For just $109 including your test kit and all lab fees, our non-invasive Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test will tell you whether you have the gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance, with only a simple cheek (buccal) swab required.

Our in-house scientists will analyze the cheek swab DNA sample to look for changes (mutations or variations) at specific locations of the MCM6 gene.

The MCM6 gene helps to regulate the gene that produces the lactase enzyme, which is needed for our bodies to break down lactose – the sugar found in dairy products.

If certain variations are present within the MCM6 gene, this indicates that you have primary lactose intolerance.

If certain variations are absent within the MCM6 gene, then it is unlikely that you have primary lactose intolerance.

How much does the test cost?

You can buy an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now for only $109. The cost of the test includes your test kit and all lab fees.

When should I order a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test?

Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can be used to detect whether you are at risk of having primary lactose intolerance, a hereditary form of lactose intolerance that can be passed down to children if they receive two copies of the recessive ‘lactase non-persistence’ alleles from their parents.

As primary lactose intolerance can be inherited, you are at a higher risk of having the condition if you have a first-degree relative (children, parents, siblings) with primary lactose intolerance.

If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have lactose intolerance (e.g. bloating, flatulence nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains/cramps), a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can either confirm or rule out the possibility of primary lactose intolerance, so that you can seek the correct diagnosis.

This test can also be used if you have a child who is experiencing symptoms that could indicate primary lactose intolerance.

Other benefits of taking this test include:

• Only a simple cheek swab required, with no blood draw
• If the test rules out primary lactose intolerance, you can ask your doctor to help you find a diagnosis more quickly
• A genetic test using a cheek swab can be performed whether you have removed lactose from your diet or not

Please note: this test is used to detect the gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance only and cannot be used to rule out other types of lactose intolerance such as secondary, congenital, and developmental lactose intolerance. This simple, pain free test can even be performed on young children. However, we strongly advise that you speak to your physician before making any decisions regarding dietary changes after receiving the results. This test should not be used on babies who you suspect may have congenital or developmental lactose intolerance, as this needs to be handled urgently by a medical professional.

Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?

No, lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy.

A milk allergy is an allergy to one or more proteins found in milk, which triggers an autoimmune response. Milk allergies may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the individual. In some cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis.

Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to break down the sugar lactose. It does not cause your body to have an autoimmune response when you consume lactose.

However, it is possible to have both lactose intolerance and a milk allergy at the same time.

If you are concerned that you may have a milk allergy, it is important to speak with your doctor.

When will I receive my kit?

Simply buy your test online now, and we’ll mail it out to you immediately.

You can choose to receive your kit by USPS First Class Mail (included in the cost of your test), or upgrade to USPS Priority Mail (+$9.99) or USPS Priority Mail Express (+$24.99).

Sample collection

Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test simply requires a swab to be rubbed on the inside of the mouth to collect cheek cells.

Please follow the instructions included in your test kit to ensure samples are collected properly, as swabs with insufficient quantities of cheek cells cannot be processed.

Please do not eat, drink or smoke immediately prior to collecting your samples.

When will I receive my results?

Once you have received your test kit, simply follow the instructions to collect your cheek (buccal) sample and post your sample back to us.

As soon as we receive your sample, testing can begin at our award-winning ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.

Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 5-7 business days after your samples have been received at our laboratory.

You can order an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now for just $109.

What can the results of a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test tell me?

The results of the test will tell you whether you have the mutations in the MCM6 gene which are indicative of primary lactose intolerance or lactase non-persistence.

The MCM6 gene helps to regulate the gene that makes the lactase enzyme, which is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

If certain variations are present within the MCM6 gene, this indicates that you have primary lactose intolerance.

If certain variations are absent within the MCM6 gene, then it is unlikely that you have primary lactose intolerance.

How accurate is the test?

An AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test is accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

We are also accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 for laboratory testing, using the very latest scientific methods for genetic/DNA testing, analysis, and reporting.

What are the benefits of testing for primary lactose intolerance and genetic celiac disease at the same time?

Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain can be common indicators of various gastrointestinal illnesses, including both celiac disease and lactose intolerance. When you’ve got symptoms like these, it can be difficult to work out what’s causing them, as many diseases and conditions can present in similar ways.

We therefore recommend taking a DNA health test for both genetic primary lactose intolerance and genetic celiac disease at the same time to help you determine the cause of your symptoms faster. This in turn means that you can make changes in your diet or seek treatment to improve pain or discomfort more quickly.

You can show the results of both tests to your physician, who can then investigate further and help you with a plan to minimize symptoms. Distinguishing between gastrointestinal disorders can be challenging, but by taking both tests together, you can quickly obtain the right diagnosis and medical care.

Plus you’ll save money by buying the two tests together!

Read more about the benefits of taking both tests at the same time

What is lactose intolerance?

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a sugar composed of galactose and glucose and mainly found in dairy products such as milk.

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue where the body fails to produce enough of the lactase enzyme, which is required to break down lactose in the body.

Most mammals are born with the ability to digest lactose because it is the sugar found in mammalian breast milk.

However, for people who are lactose intolerant, the body produces little to no lactase. This means that the sugar remains intact and is fermented by bacteria in the colon, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.

There are four types of lactose intolerance: primary lactose intolerance, secondary lactose intolerance, developmental lactose intolerance and congenital lactose intolerance.

An AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test looks for variations in the MCM6 gene that are linked to primary lactose intolerance.

This type is hereditary, meaning that it can be passed down to children if they receive two copies of the recessive ‘lactase non-persistence’ alleles from their parents.

There is no cure for lactose intolerance. However, it can be easily managed by adhering to a lactose-free diet.

How does the Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test work?

For just $109 including your test kit and all lab fees, our non-invasive Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test will tell you whether you have the gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance, with only a simple cheek (buccal) swab required.

Our in-house scientists will analyze the cheek swab DNA sample to look for changes (mutations or variants) at specific locations of the MCM6 gene.

The MCM6 gene helps to regulate the gene that produces the lactase enzyme, which is needed for our bodies to break down lactose – the sugar found in dairy products.

If certain variations are present within the MCM6 gene, this indicates that you have primary lactose intolerance.

If certain variations are absent within the MCM6 gene, then it is unlikely that you have primary lactose intolerance.

How much does the test cost?

You can buy an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now for only $109. The cost of the test includes your test kit and all lab fees.

When should I order a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test?

Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can be used to detect whether you are at risk of having primary lactose intolerance, a hereditary form of lactose intolerance that can be passed down to children if they receive two copies of the recessive ‘lactase non-persistence’ alleles from their parents.

As primary lactose intolerance can be inherited, you are at a higher risk of having the condition if you have a first-degree family relative (children, parents, siblings) with primary lactose intolerance.

If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have lactose intolerance (e.g. bloating, flatulence nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains/cramps), a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can either confirm or rule out the possibility of primary lactose intolerance, so that you can seek the correct diagnosis.

This test can also be used if you have a child who is experiencing symptoms that could indicate primary lactose intolerance.

Other benefits of taking this test include:

• Only a simple cheek swab required, with no blood draw
• If the test rules out primary lactose intolerance, you can ask your doctor to help you find a diagnosis more quickly
• A genetic test using a cheek swab can be performed whether you have removed lactose from your diet or not

Please note: this test is used to detect the gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance only and cannot be used to rule out other types of lactose intolerance such as secondary, congenital, and developmental lactose intolerance. This simple, pain free test can even be performed on young children. However, we strongly advise that you speak to your physician before making any decisions regarding dietary changes after receiving the results. This test should not be used on babies who you suspect may have congenital or developmental lactose intolerance, as this needs to be handled urgently by a medical professional.

Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?

No, lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy.

A milk allergy is an allergy to one or more proteins found in milk, which triggers an autoimmune response. Milk allergies may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the individual. In some cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis.

Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to break down the sugar lactose. It does not cause your body to have an autoimmune response when you consume lactose.

However, it is possible to have both lactose intolerance and a milk allergy at the same time.

If you are concerned that you may have a milk allergy, it is important to speak with your doctor.

When will I receive my kit?

Simply buy your test online now, and we’ll mail it out to you immediately.

You can choose to receive your kit by USPS First Class Mail (included in the cost of your test), or upgrade to USPS Priority Mail (+$9.99) or USPS Priority Mail Express (+$24.99).

Sample collection

Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test simply requires a swab to be rubbed on the inside of the mouth to collect cheek cells.

Please follow the instructions included in your test kit to ensure samples are collected properly, as swabs with insufficient quantities of cheek cells cannot be processed.

Please do not eat, drink or smoke immediately prior to collecting your samples.

When will I receive my results?

Once you have received your test kit, simply follow the instructions to collect your cheek (buccal) sample and post your sample back to us.

As soon as we receive your sample, testing can begin at our award-winning ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.

Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 5-7 business days after your samples have been received at our laboratory.

You can order an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now for just $109.

What can the results of a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test tell me?

The results of the test will tell you whether you have the mutations in the MCM6 gene which are indicative of primary lactose intolerance or lactase non-persistence.

The MCM6 gene helps to regulate the gene that makes the lactase enzyme, which is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

If certain variations are present within the MCM6 gene, this indicates that you have primary lactose intolerance.

If certain variations are absent within the MCM6 gene, then it is unlikely that you have primary lactose intolerance.

How accurate is the test?

An AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test is accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

We are also accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 for laboratory testing, using the very latest scientific methods for genetic/DNA testing, analysis, and reporting.