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Last Updated on June 1, 2022 by Neelam Singh
The risk of developing lactose intolerance increases if someone in your family is suffering from it as it is believed to have a genetic association. Also, ethnic or racial background is likely linked to developing lactose intolerance. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney disorder, the Asian Americans, African, Native Americans, and Hispanic/Larino races are more prone to developing lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is least common among people who are from, or whose families are from Europe.
Premature birth can be another risk factor as babies born prematurely are likely to have reduced lactase levels as the small intestine doesn’t develop lactase-producing cells until the later phase of the third trimester.
Other risk factors can be increasing age, diseases affecting the small intestine such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and certain cancer treatments.
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