The frequency of lactase phenotypes in Aymara children.

Abstract

A total of 122 apparently healthy Bolivian Aymara-mixed children ranging in age from 2 to 12 years were tested for lactose absorption using the standard lactose tolerance test with blood glucose determination. Analysing the sample according to the age of the probands, we found an increased age related frequency of lactose malabsorption showing final percentages of 55% in the 2 to 5 years group, 57.4% in the 6 to 10 years group, and 77.4% in the 11 to 15 years group.