Tag: Indigenous health

A significant majority of Arctic Indigenous populations, including Inuit, possess a genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance. Historically, this stems from a traditional, dairy-free diet and has led to a high prevalence of lactase non-persistence, meaning they cannot digest the lactose in milk after infancy.

Research indicates that the traditional Inuit diet provides a rich source of vitamin D, allowing indigenous Arctic communities to maintain adequate levels despite living in regions with minimal sun. This nutritional strategy is a primary way that Inuit get vitamin D, supplemented by unique physiological traits that enhance nutrient utilization.