EgyptSearch Forums: OT: Lactose intolerance in Africa

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Topic: OT: Lactose intolerance in Africa

BrandonP
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Member # 3735

posted

Has anyone ever seen this map: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/World_map_of_lactose_intolerance.png

I thought it was curious, because Africa seems to be starkly divided into two camps with regards to the ability to process milk: some African populations have relatively little problem ingesting it, while others barely can drink it at all. Why is the contrast so extreme there? Does it reflect pastoral lifestyles or something?

Posts: 7105 | From: Fallbrook, CA | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged |

rasol
Member
Member # 4592

posted

It's the map that is simplistic.

The Masai drink milk, have variable degrees of lactose tolerance.... but according to your map are 100% intolerent.

Map is just a generalisation.

Posts: 15202 | Registered: Jun 2004 | IP: Logged |

Habari
Member
Member # 14738

Rate Member

posted

quote:
Does it reflect pastoral lifestyles or something?

Yes in Africa, although Northern European are not as pastoral as pastoral Africans historically, they have more milk in their diet compare to other Europeans, thus Southern Europeans are less lactose tolerant...

Posts: 461 | From: Kilimanjaro | Registered: Jan 2008 | IP: Logged |

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