Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test
£99.00
- Only £99 for results in 4-5 working days
- Accurate and reliable laboratory test for the MCM6 gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance
- Easy-to-use home test kit
- Secure, password-protected results emailed to you for full confidentiality
- All tests performed at our UK laboratory – so your samples won’t be sent abroad
- Add a Genetic Coeliac Disease Test for just £69 (saving £30)
- Only a simple cheek swab required
- Over ONE MILLION genetic tests performed since 2004
Over ONE MILLION genetic tests performed since 2004
Why choose a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test?
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance or simply want a test to rule it out, our home Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test is a fast, accurate and reliable way to find out whether you have the gene variations linked to primary lactose intolerance, with only a simple cheek swab required.
There are many reasons why you might want a genetic test for primary lactose intolerance, including:
- You are experiencing symptoms including bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea (sometimes followed by constipation), stomach cramps/rumbling, nausea, or vomiting
- You have a child who is experiencing symptoms that could indicate primary lactose intolerance
- You have a close family member who has been diagnosed with primary lactose intolerance – research shows that people with primary lactose intolerance have a higher risk of passing it down to first-degree relatives (i.e. parents to children)
- You have been following a lactose-free diet, and want to rule out the possibility of having primary lactose intolerance, so that you can seek the correct treatment
Whatever your reasons, a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can tell you whether you have the MCM6 gene variations that indicate primary lactose intolerance.
With only a simple cheek swab required, this simple, pain free test can even be performed on young children. However, we strongly advise that you speak to your GP before making any decisions regarding dietary changes after receiving the results.
Order your Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now or by calling our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300.
You can also add in a Genetic Coeliac Disease Test for just £69 (saving £30).
Direct from our accredited UK laboratory
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?
Order your test kit and register online
Collect your cheek DNA sample
Post your sample back to our UK laboratory
Receive your confidential results by email
What can the results of a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test tell me?
Genetic testing can help you rule out the possibility of having primary lactose intolerance or enable you to seek diagnosis and treatment if you are found to have the gene mutations linked to primary lactose intolerance.
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.
Our in-house scientists will analyse your cheek swab DNA sample to look for changes (mutations or variations) at specific locations of the MCM6 gene.
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.
If you receive your test results and continue to experience symptoms that are causing you concern, we strongly recommend that you visit your GP for further support and guidance.
What are the benefits of testing for primary lactose intolerance and genetic coeliac disease at the same time?
Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pain can be common indicators of various gastrointestinal illnesses, including both lactose intolerance and coeliac disease. 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 coeliac 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 doctor, who can then investigate further and help you with a plan to minimise 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 >
When will I receive my test results?
Once you have received your test kit, simply follow the instructions to collect your cheek (buccal) samples and post your samples back to us.
As soon as we receive your samples, testing can begin at our award-winning UK laboratory.
Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 4-5 working days after your samples have been received at our laboratory.
You can order an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Coeliac Disease Test online now for just £99.
Results emailed to you in 4-5 working days
Sample collection
Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test 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.
What does the test kit include?
- Full instructions for registering your test online, how to collect your samples, and how to return the samples to our laboratory
- One DNA sample collection package containing two swabs
- DNA test sample envelope, for securing your samples
- A self-addressed envelope to send your test samples back to us
NHS-standard laboratory test
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lactose intolerance?
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, meaning that the sugar remains intact and is fermented by bacteria in the colon.
This fermentation process causes unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes followed by constipation).
There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but the symptoms can be managed by adhering to a lactose-free diet.
Below are the four types of lactose intolerance:
Primary lactose intolerance
This is the type of lactose intolerance that we test for at AlphaBiolabs.
Primary lactose intolerance is caused by genetic factors and may also be influenced by environmental factors. It 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.
In western populations, only 5% of people are thought to be affected by primary lactose intolerance. In other populations, where the consumption of dairy is low (e.g. northern parts of China and some populations in Africa), primary lactose intolerance can be as high as 100%.
Secondary lactose intolerance
The most common type in the UK, secondary lactose intolerance occurs when there is illness or injury to the gut. People with gastrointestinal illnesses such as coeliac disease, IBS, IBD, ulcerative colitis etc. can experience secondary lactose intolerance.
Infection, chemotherapy, and certain antibiotics can also cause this type of lactose intolerance. It will often resolve itself but may be permanent in some people.
Developmental lactose intolerance
Often seen in premature babies born before 37 weeks, developmental lactose intolerance occurs when lactase is not yet being produced by the body. It usually resolves itself when the newborn becomes older, and lactase production has begun.
Congenital lactose intolerance
The most severe form of lactose intolerance. Babies born with congenital lactose intolerance produce no lactase at all, meaning that it is crucial the baby is diagnosed quickly, so that they can be fed the right foods to develop healthily.
What is the test for and why should I get tested?
As 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, diarrhoea, 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.
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 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.
How does a genetic test for lactose intolerance work?
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.
Our in-house scientists will analyse the cheek swab DNA sample to look for changes (mutations or variations) at specific locations of the MCM6 gene.
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?
Shipping options for your kit include Royal Mail First Class delivery (included in the cost of your test) or Next Working Day Courier* (+£9.95).
Simply choose your preferred shipping option when placing your order.
*Orders must be received by 2pm to guarantee delivery the next working day.
How do I register my test?
Please follow this link to complete your registration form online, ensuring that all your personal details are correct before collecting your samples.
If you have not received an email containing this registration form link, please contact us on 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com for assistance.
IMPORTANT: You MUST register your test online before returning your samples to our laboratory.
We will not be able to start the testing process until you have registered your test.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Common symptoms include:
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Stomach rumbling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea (sometimes followed by constipation)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can help put your mind at rest by ruling out primary lactose intolerance, or enable you to seek a diagnosis, and remove lactose from your diet.
What samples are required?
Full instructions on how to collect your samples are included in your test kit.
Please follow the instructions to ensure samples are collected properly, as swabs with insufficient quantities of cheek cells cannot be processed.
You must not eat, drink or smoke immediately prior to collecting your samples.
Are blood samples required?
What can the results of the test tell me?
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.
What does lactase persistence/lactase non-persistence mean?
Lactase non-persistence means that your body does not continue to produce lactase in sufficient amounts to break down lactose.
Except for rare cases of congenital lactose intolerance – where a person does not produce lactase at all – all humans and most mammals are born with the ability to digest lactose, because it is the sugar found in mammalian breast milk.
Before humans developed the ability to digest lactose well into adulthood, it was normal to lose the ability to digest this sugar shortly after weening, the period where infants/toddlers phase out milk consumption and move on to solid food.
This is because there was no need for our bodies to continue producing this enzyme, as dairy was not something that was historically consumed after weening.
Some people with primary lactose intolerance produce very small amounts of lactase, explaining why some individuals with lactose intolerance can consume small amounts of dairy products.
However, the amount of lactase produced is not sufficient to manage larger quantities of lactose-containing products, leading to uncomfortable symptoms in people with primary lactose intolerance.
When will I receive my test kit?
You can choose to receive your kit by Royal Mail First Class delivery (included in the cost of your test), or upgrade to Next Working Day Courier* for +£9.95.
Simply choose your preferred shipping option when placing your order.
*Orders must be received by 2pm to guarantee delivery the next working day.
When will I receive my test results?
As soon as we receive your samples, testing can begin at our award-winning, UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 4-5 working days after your samples have been received at our laboratory.
You can order an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test online now for just £99.
How accurate are the test results?
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.
Are my test results private and confidential?
As an award-winning, UKAS ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, we take our customers’ privacy very seriously, which is why we take steps to ensure complete confidentiality throughout the testing process, including:
- Sending all our peace of mind DNA/genetic test kits out in discreet, plain packaging
- Password-protected results. You will be asked to provide your preferred email address when placing your order. This is the email address that your results will be sent to, in a password-protected PDF format
- Only discussing your test with those who are entitled to know i.e. on receipt of the correct passwords or answers to unique security questions
- Ensuring online payment transactions do NOT name AlphaBiolabs as the recipient on bank statements
- Protecting your data from being accessed in an unauthorised way by using a secure server that protects any financial transactions on our website
- Adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation. This means that DNA samples are destroyed after three months and all identification documents – hard copy and electronic files – are destroyed after 4 years
My test results show that I have the MCM6 gene variations linked to primary lactose intolerance. What should I do?
If your test results show that you have the MCM6 gene variations, and you have symptoms that are causing you concern, or simply want further testing for your own peace of mind, we strongly recommend that you consult your GP for further advice, testing and diagnosis.
If you have children and/or siblings, it can be helpful for them to get tested as well, as primary lactose intolerance is hereditary.
My test results show that I do not have the MCM6 gene variations, but I still have symptoms. What should I do?
This is because, in people with primary lactose intolerance, changes can usually be seen at two specific locations of the MCM6 gene.
However, if you are still experiencing symptoms that are causing you concern, we strongly recommend that you consult your GP for further advice and guidance on next steps (treatment/diagnosis).
Even if you do not have primary lactose intolerance, this does not rule out the possibility of secondary lactose intolerance, which is more common in the UK, but cannot be detected using genetic testing.
What is the treatment for lactose intolerance?
Many people find that they can improve their quality of life by removing foods like milk, cheese, and yoghurt from their diet – all of which contain lactose.
However, lactose can also be found in very small quantities in other products such as supplements and medicines, so if you do have a lactose intolerance, it’s important to check labels to ensure that there is no lactose present.
If you are experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, discuss these with your doctor so that they can determine exactly what should be removed from your diet.
It’s also important that you find alternative sources of nutrients that are found in milk such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, to prevent any risk of micronutrient deficiencies.
Is lactose intolerance 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.
What is included in the test kit?
- Full instructions for registering your test online, how to collect your samples, and how to return the samples to our laboratory
- One DNA sample collection package containing two swabs
- DNA test sample envelope, for securing your samples
- A self-addressed envelope to send your test samples back to us
