Lactose Sensor

Lactose Intolerance – The Most Common Food Intolerance in Europe

As a healthy source of calcium for strong bones, milk is recommended in certain daily rations. However, many people cannot tolerate the lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy products and therefore suffer from what is known as lactose intolerance.

It is estimated that one in four to six Europeans is affected by this type of food intolerance.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

In the intestine, the lactose contained in milk is broken down by the enzyme lactase, so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of glucose and galactose. This enzyme is produced in the intestine from childhood, as newborns rely on being able to process and digest breast milk. As children grow older, their bodies prepare to digest other foods, and the genes responsible for producing the enzyme are gradually turned off.

Some people have a genetic mutation that causes them to produce a severely impaired enzyme, making lactose completely intolerable for them. Undigested milk sugar provides an excellent source of nutrients for intestinal bacteria, which multiply rapidly and ferment the sugar into fatty acids, lactic acid, acetic acid, and various gases. This process leads to a range of different symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person, including digestive problems such as bloating, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as a number of non-specific complaints like fatigue or skin problems.

The principle of treatment for lactose intolerance is based on a lactose-free diet, which can lead to complete symptom relief. Unfortunately, lactose intolerance is often not properly diagnosed for years, as the severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed, and the complaints are often misinterpreted as general digestive discomfort. Therefore, a genetic analysis to determine a potential lactose intolerance is helpful in clarifying personal intolerance and avoiding further complications.

How Does Our Lactose Sensor Work?

With our Lactose Sensor, our laboratory examines the submitted saliva sample for a gene variant that can trigger lactose intolerance. We also check whether the body can absorb enough calcium from the diet.

This genetic test allows us to determine how likely lactose intolerance is and whether a corresponding change in diet is necessary.

The analysis results are evaluated in a written report, which also provides individual recommendations for action.

In this way, our Lactose Sensor can contribute valuable information to the early detection of possible lactose intolerance and help affected individuals avoid distressing symptoms with an adapted diet.