Readings: And here's the evolsphere blog post on lactase persistence.
Extra Credit: If you are interested in the public forum on evolution next Tuesday, either go to the panel discussion or listen to it online and write up a 1 page summary for me. I'll give you an extra credit point for the effort.
Nigerian milk drinkers: I couldn't find much more information on lactase persistence in Nigeria, but the estimates I found range from 85%-99% intolerant. Also, it appears possible that gene flow from the Fulani (who are only 33% intolerant) may increase frequencies of the lactase persistence allele in Nigeria. Perhaps our classmates are among the minority when it comes to lactose?
Goat's milk: There's lots of info online about the differences between goat and cow milk. One is that goat's milk has less lactose. Others may or may not be meaningful. I'm not willing to endorse any of the studies I found, so I'll let you search for yourself.
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1 comment:
I think the data on Japanese and Thailand are not correct either. After WWII, the Japanese provided free milk at lunch for students to improve their height. If 70-80% of student is lactose intolerant, the program would not as successful as it is today. I think what happens for the lactose intolerant is that the lactase is temporary down regulate. If we constantly increase the amount of lactose in our meals,the body will have a way to digest lactose. Do we have anyone volunteer to test it !!! :-)
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