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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2006; 12(45): 7329-7331
Published online Dec 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i45.7329
Lactase non-persistence and milk consumption in Estonia
Margus Lember, Suvi Torniainen, Mart Kull, Riina Kallikorm, Peeter Saadla, Tarvo Rajasalu, Hanna Komu, Irma Järvelä
Margus Lember, Mart Kull, Riina Kallikorm, Peeter Saadla, Tarvo Rajasalu, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
Suvi Torniainen, Hanna Komu, Irma Järvelä, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Irma Järvelä, Laboratory of Molecular genetics, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
Supported by the Estonian Science Foundation grant No. 6452, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital Research Funding, University of Helsinki, Finland
Correspondence to: Margus Lember, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia. margus.lember@kliinikum.ee
Telephone: +372-7-318600
Received: September 8, 2006
Revised: September 28, 2006
Accepted: November 3, 2006
Published online: December 7, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To define the frequency of the C/T-13910 variant associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence trait and to analyze the milk consumption of lactase non-persistent subjects in Estonia.

METHODS: We genotyped 355 Estonians by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Milk consumption was analyzed by a questionnaire, specially developed to analyze milk consumption and abdominal complaints.

RESULTS: The frequency of the genotype of the C/C-13910 (lactase non-persistence) was found to be 24.8% in native Estonians. No other single nucleotide polymorphisms covering the region of 400 bp adjacent to the C/T-13910 variant were found. Lactase non-persistence subjects were found to consume less milk than lactase persistence subjects.

CONCLUSION: The frequency of lactase non-persistence defined by the C/C-13910 genotype confirms the results of the previous studies based on indirect methods of determining hypolactasia. Milk consumption of lactase non-persistence subjects is consistent with previously reported figures of adult-type hypolactasia in Estonia. However, lactase non-persistence does not prevent the intake of milk in many adults.

Keywords: Lactase persistence, Milk, Estonia