Explore the global prevalence of lactose intolerance with our detailed ranking of the top 50 countries. Learn about regional trends and factors influencing lactose intolerance worldwide.
Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme, affects populations differently worldwide. Genetics, dietary habits, and cultural practices all play a role in determining how prevalent lactose intolerance is in various regions. This article provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 50 countries with the highest percentages of lactose-intolerant populations.
Lactose Intolerance by countries:
- 🇰🇷 South Korea: 100%
- 🇾🇪 Yemen: 100%
- 🇬🇭 Ghana: 100%
- 🇲🇼 Malawi: 100%
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam: 98%
- 🇿🇲 Zambia: 98%
- 🇦🇲 Armenia: 98%
- 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: 96%
- 🇴🇲 Oman: 96%
- 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo: 95%
- 🇲🇿 Mozambique: 95%
- 🇸🇾 Syria: 95%
- 🇦🇴 Angola: 94%
- 🇸🇴 Somalia: 94%
- 🇮🇶 Iraq: 93%
- 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo: 93%
- 🇳🇦 Namibia: 93%
- 🇬🇦 Gabon: 93%
- 🇲🇲 Myanmar: 92%
- 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan: 92%
- 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea: 91%
- 🇨🇲 Cameroon: 89%
- 🇮🇱 Israel: 89%
- 🇮🇷 Iran: 88%
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan: 88%
- 🇲🇳 Mongolia: 88%
- 🇧🇼 Botswana: 88%
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria: 87%
- 🇺🇬 Uganda: 87%
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia: 87%
- 🇨🇳 China: 85%
- 🇹🇭 Thailand: 84%
- 🇹🇳 Tunisia: 84%
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan: 82%
- 🇿🇦 South Africa: 81%
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic: 81%
- 🇨🇴 Colombia: 80%
- 🇸🇳 Senegal: 79%
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: 78%
- 🇪🇹 Ethiopia: 77%
- 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: 75%
- 🇯🇵 Japan: 73%
- 🇲🇦 Morocco: 73%
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: 73%
- 🇮🇹 Italy: 72%
- 🇹🇷 Turkey: 69%
- 🇪🇬 Egypt: 68%
- 🇰🇭 Cambodia: 68%
- 🇺🇾 Uruguay: 65%
- 🇩🇿 Algeria: 62%
Note: These percentages are approximate and can vary based on specific studies and population groups within each country.
Sources:
- World Population Review – Provides data on lactose intolerance prevalence by country
- Vivid Maps – Offers visual representations of lactose intolerance percentages globally
- ProCon org – Discusses lactose intolerance statistics across different nations
Conclusion:
Understanding the global prevalence of lactose intolerance helps highlight the importance of cultural dietary adaptations and the impact of genetics on health. Countries with higher rates often rely on alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients, such as plant-based diets and fortified products. Meanwhile, nations with lower prevalence typically consume more dairy without issues.
As the global food industry continues to innovate, lactose-free products and dietary alternatives are becoming more accessible, catering to populations with diverse dietary needs. This trend ensures that lactose-intolerant individuals can maintain balanced nutrition while embracing regional dietary preferences.
By exploring these statistics, we gain valuable insights into global health trends and the diverse ways cultures adapt to biological differences.
