The Lactose Intolerance Gene: Is Dairy in Your DNA?

What is Lactose Intolerance, Really?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem that occurs when the body cannot break down the sugar in milk (lactose). That’s because of decreased levels of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into absorbable sugars. Without sufficient lactase, undigested lactose will ferment in the colon and cause bloating, gas, cramps and diarrhoea.

It’s frequently mistaken for a milk allergy, but unlike allergies, lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system. And while symptoms are different, many adults develop it later in life, especially among populations where dairy consumption wasn’t a traditional part of the diet. Your DNA is often the key.

Is There a Gene for That? Yes!

How well you can digest dairy as an adult is largely determined by your genes. LCT is the gene that makes lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the sugar in milk, lactose. Babies naturally create a great deal of lactase, but for many humans, production stops after weaning. Lactose production, whether or not it continues into adulthood, is regulated by a gene called MCM6.

Certain versions of the MCM6 gene work like a switch, keeping the LCT gene active or inactive throughout life. If your genes inherit the “lactase persistence” variant, you’ll probably keep digesting lactose with no problem. If you don’t, then you are genetically predisposed to lactose intolerance, which is most common among people who don’t have a long history of drinking milk.

These variants can be revealed by genetic testing, which can help you determine whether your body is hardwired to process dairy or if it may be better to steer clear of dairy and opt for plant-based substitutes.

A Global Trait: Why Some Populations Tolerate Dairy

The answer lies in evolution. Nearly all young mammals, including humans, become unable to digest lactose after infancy. But in populations that started dairy farming thousands of years ago, such as those of northern Europe and eastern Africa, a genetic mutation enabled some of them to continue to produce lactase as adults.

This trait, known as lactase persistence, spread through generations because it conferred a survival advantage. It is most common among populations with extensive dairying in their history. Lactose intolerance, however, continues to be prevalent in certain parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

How a YOLO DNA Health Test Can Help

Curious whether dairy and your DNA are compatible? A YOLO DNA Health Test can tell if you carry the lactase gene well into adulthood. You’re more likely to be lactose intolerant if you don’t possess it.

This is where being in the know with your genetic predispositions puts the guesswork aside. It is also a way to personalise your nutrition, whether that means working with a different set of food options (without lactose), taking lactase supplements (without cutting out dairy) or including dairy on your menu with confidence.

If you want to know more about your DNA, be sure to read about how your DNA affects your sleep quality

It’s In Your Genes, But You’re in Charge

How you metabolise lactose is in your genes, but it doesn’t determine your free will. It’s important because it helps you know your body better and make more informed decisions about your dairy consumption.

Whether you have some tolerance for milk or not, the decision is in your hands. This includes personalising your diet and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, without guessing. Remember, your genes have a voice, but you choose how to hear it.

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