Lactose absorption in a Western Massim population

A sample of adults from Goodenough Island represents the first Austronesian- speaking series to be tested for lactose absorption. The results found were similar to those for non-Austronesian-speakers tested on the nearby mainland of Papua New Guinea. It is not yet possible to conclude whether the polymorphism, so unexpectedly present in populations with no history of milk utilization, is an example of founder effect or whether it is kept in existence by selection. The common ancestors probably present in this and one previous series suggest that recent founder effect may be important.