Who is affected by lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is very common.¹ Worldwide, 70% of adults have some degree of lactose intolerance.²

Lactose intolerance occurs more often in people of First Nations, Asian, African, and South American descent than among people of European descent. Experts believe that lactose intolerance is directly related to how long ago a person's ancestors were introduced to dairy products.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Ralph Poore	Last Updated: October 3, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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