Tag: East asian genetics

Genetically, a high prevalence of lactase non-persistence exists among East Asian populations, meaning a significant majority of Japanese people are typically lactose intolerant. This prevalence is rooted in genetics and the country's traditional dietary history, which lacked dairy products until relatively recently.

Studies indicate that approximately 92.3% of Han Chinese adults from certain regions experience lactose malabsorption, showcasing a dramatically high prevalence. This widespread condition is not an anomaly but rather a reflection of both genetic heritage and centuries of historical dietary norms.

With up to 90% of East Asians affected, lactose intolerance is more prevalent in this population than in most others. The primary reason for why are East Asians lactose intolerant lies in a combination of genetic inheritance and a long history of dairy-free diets.