Prevalence of Lactose Intolerance

It is estimated that 58 million individuals in the United States suffer from lactose intolerance. This number will continue to grow as education and awareness about lactose intolerance increases.

Gender

Published research indicates little difference in terms of prevalence according to gender. However, researchers note increases in lactose intolerance among postmenopausal women relative to men of similar age.

Age

Most infants are born with the ability to produce lactase and successfully digest lactose. As infants mature, there is a genetically programmed decrease in lactase. This decrease typically occurs anywhere from young adulthood to middle age, but it is possible to become lactose intolerant at any age.

Ethnicity's Role in Lactose Intolerance

Various ethnic groups are genetically more susceptible to lactose intolerance. Individuals in non-dairy consuming societies are more likely to become lactose intolerant. For example, Asians and Africans have a higher prevalence due to lifestyle and environmental conditions. This is because after weaning, industrialized and commercial dairy products are less common. The body does not find it necessary to continue producing lactase and reduces lactase production. This relationship between non-dairy societies and lactose intolerance is passed on genetically.

Worldwide Statistics

Estimates of worldwide lactose intolerance sufferers fall between 3.1 billion to 3.6 billion individuals. Some examples of ethnic groups with high prevalence of lactose intolerance are:

• Chinese: 95%
• Native Americans: 90%
• Asian-Americans: 90%
• South Americans: 75%
• African-Americans: 75%
• Hispanics: 55%