LACTOSE INTOLERANCE – TEST Geneticists

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE – TEST Geneticists

COS’E’?

Lactose is the natural sugar content in each type of milk. As children, the enzyme lactase makes it digestible by splitting it into two simple sugars , with the growth we are witnessing a gradual reduction of the enzyme up to the total lack. Lactose intolerance , the most common enzymatic intolerance , ( suffers the 70% the world's population) , is therefore the inability to digest milk sugar. Before being used by the body shall be split lactose into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase; on the contrary a deficiency of this enzyme causes the lactose not hydrolyzed , they can not be digested , reaches the colon exerting an osmotic effect resulting in bacterial fermentation of sugar and lactic acid formation. The wing lactose intolerance may occur with nausea , swelling , flatulence , tiredness , headache , joint pain , cutaneous manifestations , abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The symptomatology is dose dependent , therefore the greater will be the amount of lactose ingested and will be more obvious symptoms.

WHY’ TEST THE GENETIC?

Up to now check for lactose intolerance, the BTH test that committed the patient for several hours before the test and during addition to the fact that drugs , comorbidities , smoke could lead to false positives or negatives. Unlike the genetic test results to be non-invasive and rapid execution by presenting some results about the risk of developing lactose intolerance. Be aware of her genetic predisposition to certain diseases allows for adequate and timely changes in their lifestyle or to establish effective preventive measures.

DIAGNOSIS AND GENETICS

Were detected in the lactase gene (map locus 2q21) two different polymorphisms responsible for the persistence of enzymatic : -13910T>C , 22018A>G: in the human species , as well as in all mammals , the genes for the digestion of milk are synthesized immediately after weaning , these mutations, therefore, constitute a selective advantage due to which their holder keeps the lactase gene being able to assimilate lactose into adulthood , Unfortunately, only a small part of the population is a carrier , In fact, the majority of individuals , is lactose intolerant unknowingly continuing to hire him with serious consequences on their health.

THE GENETIC TEST

Genetic testing is carried out using a sample of saliva and requires no preparation in the days before the results are available within 7 days. Let us remember that even though Milk and dairy products are the only natural source of lactose, this is often added to prepared foods. People with very low tolerance for lactose should know about these products.