Lactase deficiency (lactose malabsorption, hypolactasia) is an impaired lactose breakdown due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the mucous membrane of the small intestine.
Indications for the study:
To establish lactase deficiency, it is necessary to conduct a molecular analysis of the regulatory region of the LCT gene (polymorphism c.-13910C>T) associated with lactose intolerance.
As a result of DNA testing, you will find out about the genotype you have:
Genotype C/C – complete lactose intolerance. It is necessary to exclude whole, dry, condensed milk and cream from the diet.
Genotype C/T – the level of lactase activity is variable. There is a risk of secondary lactase deficiency.
Genotype T/T – good lactose tolerance.
About lactase deficiency in more detail. Lactose is the sugar found only in the milk of mammals and humans. In the small intestine, milk sugar (lactose) breaks down into digestible sugars, glucose and galactose with the help of lactase enzyme. During breastfeeding, the concentration of lactase in the intestine is high, and then its concentration gradually decreases.
Lactase deficiency can be primary (hereditary) and secondary (against a background of general enzymatic immaturity).
Primary lactase deficiency is a congenital deficiency of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose. It occurs in 6-10% of the world’s population (16-18% among Eastern Slavs). Normally, in the case of primary lactase deficiency, intolerance to dairy products is noted in one of the child’s adult relatives (parents, grandparents and elder brothers or sisters).
Secondary lactase deficiency is predominantly common among children in their first year of life and is often a consequence of intestinal dysbacteriosis and pancreas immaturity. Secondary lactase deficiency disappears after dysbacteriosis correction or as a child develops, and at an older age, dairy products are digested in a normal way.
Lactase deficiency symptoms:
Сhronic intoxication: unwellness, rapid fatigability; decreased immunity; frequent viral, bacterial and even fungal infections; bloating, diarrhea and vomiting.
Please contact us to book an appointment:
+ 375 17 385 97 39 (landline); +375 33 380 50 40 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram)
We are waiting for you at the following address: 27 Akademicheskaya St., Room 119, Minsk
27 Akademicheskaya St.
220072 Minsk
Belarus
