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Study Reveals Lactase Persistence Varies by Region

3/1/2026

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Story summary
  • Researchers identify that lactase persistence is common in parts of Europe but rare in South Asia.
  • Priya Moorjani of the University of California, Berkeley, finds Toda and Gujjar pastoralists have high lactase persistence.
  • Natural selection favored the lactase gene in pastoralist populations, unlike other regions of South Asia.
  • Fermented dairy products, containing less lactose, have historically been the safer choice for families.