A study in the September/October issue of Nutrition Today reports rates of lactose intolerance in European Americans, Hispanic Americans and African Americans is likely less than previously thought. The study can be found here.
A telephone survey of 1,084 respondents between the ages of 19 and 70 years was conducted. The lactose-intolerance prevalence was 7.72% for Americans of European descent, 19.5% for Hispanics and 10% for African Americans. Previous studies have claimed 15% lactose intolerance for Europeans, 50% for Hispanics and 80% for African Americans.
The study concludes: “Health professionals need to be aware of the misrepresentation of currently estimated lactose-intolerance rates and should continue to encourage individuals with lactose intolerance to consume dairy foods first to help meet key nutrient recommendations with proper guidance and education.” The study was funded by the National Dairy Council.
