Tag: North south divide

While globally around two-thirds of adults are lactose intolerant, the percentage of Europeans who can drink milk varies dramatically across the continent due to a relatively recent genetic mutation. This difference creates a striking North-South divide in adult milk-drinking habits.

Across Europe, lactose intolerance prevalence varies dramatically, ranging from as little as 3-5% in some northern regions to over 70% in parts of the south. The question of which Europeans are lactose intolerant has a surprising answer rooted in a complex history of genetic evolution and selective pressures.