Jakarta, ThedailyID — Lactose intolerance affects an estimated five billion adults worldwide, or about 68–70% of the global population. However, experts say the condition is far more common among Asians because of genetic differences.
Ecological genetics expert Ronny Rachman Noor from IPB University said lactose intolerance is more prevalent among non-Caucasian populations, including Asians. He explained that most Asians do not carry the lactase persistence gene mutation. The mutation allows adults to keep producing the lactase enzyme needed to digest lactose.
“The lactase persistence mutation emerged around 7,500 years ago in Northern Europe,” Ronny said, citing information published by IPB University. “It enables adults there to digest lactose efficiently. As a result, lactose intolerance affects only about 5–15% of Caucasians.”
Meanwhile, the mutation never became widespread across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Dairy consumption developed much later in those regions.
The difference appears clearly in regional statistics. Studies estimate that 90–95% of people in East Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, have lactose intolerance. Across Southeast Asia, the prevalence ranges from 85% to 98%.
Indonesia follows a similar pattern. Lactose intolerance affects about 21.3% of children aged three to five years. The figure rises to 57.8% among children aged six to 11.
Ronny said the high prevalence may contribute to low fresh milk consumption. As a result, some children and older adults may not get enough calcium, vitamin D and protein.
He added that reduced lactase production after weaning is a normal biological process. Therefore, losing the ability to digest lactose later in life is not considered unusual.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms include bloating, excess gas, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, abdominal cramps, stomach rumbling and diarrhea.
These symptoms develop because undigested lactose reaches the large intestine. Bacteria then ferment the sugar and produce gas. Food usually takes six to 10 hours to reach the colon. It then needs another 24 to 36 hours to pass through the digestive tract.
As a result, symptoms may appear up to two days after someone consumes dairy products.
Ronny emphasized that lactose intolerance differs from a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance mainly causes digestive discomfort. In contrast, a milk allergy can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Although lactose intolerance is not usually dangerous, it can reduce comfort and affect daily activities.
To manage the condition, Ronny recommends avoiding foods that contain high amounts of lactose. These include fresh milk, cream, ice cream and soft cheeses.
Instead, he suggests choosing low-lactose or lactose-free products. Many lactose-free milk products are now widely available. A2 milk, yogurt and hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan are also easier for many people to digest.
He also recommends taking lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy products. In addition, people can get calcium from anchovies, tempeh, tofu, green vegetables, nuts and calcium-fortified soy milk.
“People can still meet their calcium and protein needs without worrying about lactose intolerance,” Ronny said.
