Many people ask whether lactose intolerance is something you’re born with or something that can develop later in life — and the short answer is that it can be either. You can develop lactose intolerance over time, even if your parents aren’t lactose intolerant, and it can also be genetically inherited depending on your ethnic background. Understanding both the genetic and acquired causes helps explain why some people experience symptoms early in life while others only notice them as adults.
Whether you have always had lactose intolerance or it has developed over time, you may be wondering if the cause is genetic or something else.For example, some people want to know whether lactose intolerance is a genetic disorder, while others are trying to understand if lactose intolerance can be acquired after illness, ageing, or changes in gut health. This article breaks down both possibilities so you can understand what’s happening in your own body.
Is Lactose Intolerance Genetic?
Yes — lactose intolerance is often genetic, and genetics are among the most common lactose intolerance causes. A specific lactose tolerance genetic mutation determines whether your body keeps producing lactase after childhood, which is why some populations have much higher rates of lactose intolerance than others.
Certain ethnic groups including people of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Indigenous descent — are more likely to experience lactose intolerance due to their genetic makeup. These population patterns are linked to a well-researched lactose tolerance genetic mutation that determines whether someone continues to digest lactose into adulthood.
For many people, the ability to produce lactase enzymes (used to digest lactose) naturally decreases after weaning. The ability to continue to digest lactose efficiently after childhood is caused by a genetic mutation, a trait known as lactase persistence and a key part of understanding the relationship between lactose intolerance and genetics.
Historically, this mutation developed in populations that practiced dairy farming and relied on milk as a food source, particularly in Northern and Western Europe. In populations that did not traditionally consume dairy, this mutation is much less common, resulting in a higher prevalence of lactose intolerance.
Estimated Prevalence by Ethnic Group:
- East Asian descent: ~90–100%
- West African, Middle Eastern, and Indigenous Australian: ~70–90%
- Hispanic/Latino populations: ~50–80%
- Ashkenazi Jewish & Mediterranean: ~60–80%
- Northern Europeans (e.g., Scandinavians, British, Germans): ~5–15%
These differences are not due to diet or environment alone — they are genetically inherited. This means your ethnic background is one of the strongest indicators of whether you’re likely to be lactose intolerant, due in part to lactose intolerance genetic inheritance.
Can You Develop Lactose Intolerance Over Time?
Absolutely. Even if you’ve been enjoying dairy for decades, it’s possible to develop lactose intolerance later in life. This is sometimes known as secondary lactose intolerance, which happens when lactase levels fall due to changes in the gut or overall health. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Age-related enzyme decline: As we age, our bodies naturally produce less lactase.
- Gut health issues: Associated conditions like coeliac disease, IBS, or gastroenteritis can damage the lining of the small intestine, reducing lactase production (called secondary lactose intolerance).
- Surgery or illness: Certain medications, chemotherapy, or abdominal surgeries can also affect your digestive enzymes.
This means that even if you didn’t inherit lactose intolerance, you can still develop it as an adult and notice developing lactose intolerance symptoms.
Why Dairy Still Matters — Especially for Seniors
Dairy is one of the richest dietary sources of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, all of which are crucial for bone strength, muscle maintenance, and overall health — especially in seniors.
As we age, our risk of osteoporosis and muscle loss increases, making it even more important to maintain adequate calcium intake. Read our tips on eating dairy when lactose intolerant.
The Benefits of Lactase Enzymes
Lacteeze is a trusted brand of lactase enzyme supplements that can help break down lactose so you can continue to enjoy dairy without discomfort.
Whether you’ve had lactose intolerance since birth or it’s developed later in life, Lacteeze helps:
- Reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach pain
- Support your ability to enjoy dairy again
- Maintain a healthy calcium-rich diet
- Fit into your lifestyle with a range of convenient strengths and formats, including chewable tablets, caplets, and drops.
So, is lactose intolerance genetic or something that develops over time? The answer is — it can be both.
The good news is you don’t have to be dairy free. With a little knowledge, some smart choices, and support from enzyme supplements like Lacteeze, you can still enjoy the benefits of dairy.
