Who is affected by lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance can affect anyone and for many, it is a normal part of aging. In North America alone, between 30 and 50 million people are lactose intolerant. In Canada, that includes approximately 1 million women and 400,000 men. Some are born with the condition, but most develop it over time – since the body’s natural lactase production peaks at the age of two. Lactose intolerance can also affect children and teens and is more common among certain ethnic groups. People of African or Asian descent, as well as Aboriginal North Americans, are particularly susceptible to this condition.
