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Lactose malabsorption in Khants in western Siberia
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Selective lactose malabsorption (SLM) affects 94% of the Khant population in Western Siberia. This high prevalence of lactose intolerance was observed in a group with a traditional milk-free diet in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Population genetics
Background:
- Investigating lactose intolerance within the Khant population, a Finno-Ugric group in Western Siberia.
- Assessing the impact of traditional adult milk avoidance on lactose malabsorption prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of selective lactose malabsorption (SLM) among the Khant people.
- To document lactose digestion capabilities in a unique indigenous population.
Main Methods:
- Conducted lactose tolerance tests on 80 Khants (aged 8-57).
- Utilized glucose-galactose tolerance tests to rule out general malabsorption.
- Performed electron microscopic examination of duodenal mucosa in a subset of participants.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of selective lactose malabsorption (SLM) was found, affecting 94% of the studied Khant population.
- This indicates a significant genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance within this group.
Conclusions:
- The Khant population exhibits an exceptionally high prevalence of SLM, the highest recorded in the former Soviet Union.
- Findings suggest a strong genetic basis for lactose intolerance, potentially influenced by long-term dietary patterns.