Lactose intolerance is actually the human norm – but racism, the US government and business interests have made it into a condition

The vast majority of people around the world are lactose intolerant. But American propaganda and scientific biases have made milk and dairy products a staple in global diets.

By: Hilary Smith, University of Denver, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 25, 2026

Words: 1,051

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Hilary Smith, University of Denver

Lactose intolerance makes drinking milk or eating ice cream a literal pain. For some people, eating a dairy treat can lead to bloating, nausea and diarrhea. You might’ve experienced its effects yourself. If so, you may think of lactose intolerance as a defect rather than the norm.

But did you know that most people in the world today are lactose intolerant – and that the condition itself …

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