Lactase non-persistence and milk consumption in Estonia

Area of Science:

• Human Genetics
• Nutritional Science
• Population Studies

Background:

• Lactase persistence/non-persistence is a genetically determined trait affecting milk digestion.
• The C/T-13910 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a key genetic marker for lactase non-persistence in many populations.
• Understanding the prevalence of lactase non-persistence is crucial for dietary recommendations and public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of the C/T-13910 variant associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence in the Estonian population.
• To analyze milk consumption patterns among lactase non-persistent individuals in Estonia.
• To correlate genetic predisposition with actual dietary habits regarding milk intake.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 355 Estonian individuals using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing to identify the C/T-13910 genotype.
• Analysis of milk consumption and associated abdominal complaints using a specifically designed questionnaire.
• Investigated for other SNPs in the vicinity of the C/T-13910 variant.

Main Results:

• The frequency of the C/C-13910 genotype, indicative of lactase non-persistence, was found to be 24.8% in native Estonians.
• No other single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected within a 400 bp region adjacent to the C/T-13910 variant.
• Individuals with lactase non-persistence consumed significantly less milk compared to those with lactase persistence.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of lactase non-persistence in Estonia, as determined by the C/C-13910 genotype, aligns with previous findings using indirect methods.
• Observed milk consumption patterns in lactase non-persistent Estonians are consistent with the prevalence of adult-type hypolactasia in the region.
• Despite genetic predisposition, lactase non-persistence does not universally preclude milk consumption among adults in Estonia.