Who is affected by lactose intolerance

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Who is affected by lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is very common—approximately 50 million people in the United States have the condition.¹ Worldwide, 70% of adults have some degree of lactose intolerance.²

Lactose intolerance occurs more often in Native Americans and people of Asian, African, and South American descent than among people of European descent. Experts believe that lactose intolerance is directly related to how long ago a person's ancestors were introduced to dairy products.

References

Citations
McQuaid KR (2007). Lactase deficiency section of Alimentary tract. In LM Tierney et al., eds., Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 46th ed., pp. 619–620. New York: Lange Medical/McGraw-Hill.
Beyer PL (2004). Lactase deficiency section of Medical nutrition therapy for lower gastrointestinal tract disorders. In LK Mahan, S Escott-Stump, eds., Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy, 11th ed., pp. 705–737. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Credits

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last Updated	August 15, 2007

Last updated:	August 15, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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