GENETIC TEST FOR GLUTEN, FRUCTOSE AND LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

A food intolerance is an adverse reaction of the body caused by the consumption of certain foods. Because each person is affected differently, each case must be studied individually.
A large percentage of the population has not been diagnosed. Being unaware if you are intolerant to certain foods can gradually damage your health. 
You may find that you suffer from a food intolerance if you experience any the following symptoms:

• Headache or stomach pains
• Diarrhoea
• Being overweight
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin problems
• Inflammation of the joints

The most common food intolerances are:

1. Gluten intolerance (coeliac disease)
Coeliac disease affects children and adults and is caused by intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune disease with intervening genetic and environmental factors.
The consumption of foods containing gluten gives rise to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, lactose intolerance, anorexia and weight loss.
2. Lactose intolerance
This is a very common problem among adults. It is caused by a decrease or increase in lactase, which is necessary for metabolising sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
The consumption of foods containing lactose causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea and flatulence.
3. Fructose intolerance
This primarily affects children, although adults have also been diagnosed.
The consumption of foods containing fructose or sucrose, such as most fruits and vegetables, causes abdominal pain, vomiting and hypoglycaemia. The continued consumption of these foods can cause irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys.

It should be noted that the symptoms of these three intolerances are very similar, all of which causing gastrointestinal damage. This is why a differential diagnosis is needed to determine the cause of the presenting symptoms.
Their early detection can help prevent the onset of symptoms or make them disappear, simply by cutting out that particular food group from your diet.
Treatment is very simple as you only need to change your diet.

These three food intolerances are genetic, but in order for them to develop, the person carrying the genetic mutation must be “exposed” to the factor that “awakens” the disease, which, in these cases, are gluten, lactose and fructose.

The test is recommended for the following groups:

• People with a clinical suspicion of food intolerance (lactose, fructose or gluten).
• Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms of unknown cause, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of food intolerance.
• Diagnosis of gastrointestinal changes, such as an intolerance to gluten (coeliac disease). 
• A history of food intolerances (lactose, fructose, gluten). 

After taking a simple blood test, you will receive the results in just 15 days.

To undergo the test, call 902 121 054 or email genetica@e-icm.net and we will tell you how to proceed and direct you to your nearest laboratory.

To undergo the genetic study, you must first complete the application form and sign the informed consent form.

ICM boasts a team of genetic counsellors to support you and answer any questions you may have, such as the risk of having a specific mutation, the risk of having cancer, whether or not genetic testing is suitable, the likelihood that your relatives may have the disease, etc.

You can count on them. They are there to help. Please email our team at pacientes@e-icm.net.

You could also attend a consultation with one of the geneticists of our group.