Tag: Northern european

Genetically speaking, approximately 65% of the human population experiences a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, but certain ethnic groups demonstrate a much higher rate of lactose tolerance. This ability, known as lactase persistence, is most prevalent among populations of Northern European descent due to specific genetic adaptations linked to a history of dairy farming.

According to MedlinePlus, the prevalence of lactose intolerance is lowest in populations with a long history of dependence on unfermented milk products, such as those of Northern European descent. This difference in the ability to digest milk is a fascinating result of human genetic and cultural evolution over millennia.

While about 65% of the world's population reduces their ability to digest lactose after infancy, the prevalence of this trait, known as lactase persistence, varies dramatically across different human populations. A notable group of people with this ability are those of Northern European descent, who exhibit some of the lowest rates of lactose intolerance globally.