Tag: Asian health

According to a 2022 study, China's per capita annual dairy consumption was only one-third of the global average, revealing the deep-seated reasons why Chinese don't drink milk with the same frequency as many Western cultures. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of genetic factors, historical traditions, and evolving dietary preferences.

While an estimated 70% or more of the population in South Korea exhibits lactose malabsorption, the sweeping generalization that 'every Korean is lactose intolerant' is a myth. The reality is far more nuanced, encompassing a wide spectrum of tolerance levels, genetic factors, and changing dietary patterns in Korea.

According to genetic studies, up to 100% of the Japanese population carry genotypes associated with low lactase activity, making lactose intolerance common in Japan. This prevalence is rooted in a historical diet with minimal dairy, contrasting sharply with Western cultures and influencing both modern dietary habits and health perspectives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the South-East Asia region faces one of the highest burdens of anemia globally, a condition often caused by iron deficiency. This high prevalence raises the critical question: **Why are Asians more prone to iron deficiency?** This article will delve into the multifaceted reasons behind this public health challenge.