Genetic Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem. Symptoms can include flatulence, diarrhoea, bloating, stomach pains and nausea within a few hours of consuming food containing lactose.

The LCT gene, which instructs the body to make lactase, is controlled by a nearby gene called MCM6. Lactase is an enzyme that digests lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

A lack of lactase activity can lead to lactose intolerance.

Two genetic variants found within the MCM6 gene are known to affect lactase production. Testing for these variants can indicate the likelihood of lactose intolerance.

The two variants we test for in MCM6 are C13910T and G22018A.