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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
04:41
Measuring Lactase Enzymatic Activity in the Teaching Lab
Published on: August 6, 2018
Lactase Deficiency in 2026: Understanding Pathophysiology, Global Persistence Trends, and Targeted Therapies for
Mayank Goyal1, Navjot Kaur Sandhu1
1Department of Quality Assurance, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India.
Journal of the American Nutrition Association
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Lactose intolerance affects 68% of the global population due to insufficient lactase enzyme. This condition impacts nutrient intake, despite a growing therapeutic market for management solutions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Lactose intolerance is a widespread digestive disorder caused by inadequate lactase enzyme production, hindering lactose breakdown.
- Lactose, a sugar in mammal milk, is vital for infant energy but its digestion varies globally, with lactase persistence rates differing significantly by region.
- Approximately one-third of adults can digest dairy, yet many avoid it due to perceived negative effects, risking nutrient deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the global prevalence and regional variations of lactose intolerance.
- To highlight the nutritional implications of dairy avoidance in lactose-intolerant individuals.
- To provide an overview of the expanding therapeutic market for lactose intolerance management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on global lactose intolerance prevalence and regional lactase persistence data.
- Analysis of nutritional impacts associated with dairy product restriction.
- Market analysis of the therapeutic sector for lactose intolerance.
Main Results:
- About 68% of the world's population experiences lactose intolerance, with significant regional disparities (e.g., 5-28% in Europe vs. 70-98% in Asia and Africa).
- Dairy avoidance can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- The global therapeutic market for lactose intolerance is projected to grow from $36.96 billion in 2026 to $49.13 billion by 2030.
Conclusions:
- Lactose intolerance is a common condition with substantial global and regional variations.
- Managing lactose intolerance requires attention to nutritional adequacy and awareness of available therapeutic interventions.
- The market for lactose intolerance treatments, including supplements and dairy alternatives, is experiencing robust growth.
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