You’ll Be Shocked How Many Illinoisans Are Lactose Intolerant

A few years back, seemingly out of nowhere, my son began suffering from an upset stomach and digestive issues on a regular basis. After some investigating and a trip to see his doctor, we found that the issue was/is lactose intolerance. He has since found relief in an over-the-counter product and a brand of milk made specifically for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.

At the time, I remember thinking that he was the only member of our family (on both sides) who had this sort of problem, and I wondered just how rare it is for someone to be lactose intolerant.

Well, it turns out that I had it all backwards. Lactose intolerance is far from being rare, and those who are lactose intolerant make up the majority of people, not the minority.

The Shocking Number Of Illinoisans Who Are Lactose Intolerant

If you live in Illinois and love dairy, you might be surprised to learn that a significant portion of your fellow Illinoisans could be quietly struggling with dairy digestion. While exact state-specific numbers are hard to come by, broader US and global data suggest the rate of lactose intolerance is much higher than many of us ever knew.

According to PubMed:

• Worldwide, about 65% of adults are estimated to have lactose malabsorption (the underlying inability to properly digest lactose), though not everyone will show symptoms.
• In the US, it’s estimated that about 30 to 50 million Americans (about 10 to 15% of the population) are lactose intolerant or "maldigesters."

Lurie Children's Hospital in Illinois says that the condition is much more common in certain ethnic groups: for example, up to 90% of Asian-Americans and around 75% of African-Americans are said to be affected.

Here are some more numbers regarding lactose intolerance throughout the world:

• Northern Europe: 5-15% (very low rates due to long history of dairy consumption).
• East Asia: 90-100% in many populations (China, Japan, Korea).
• South Asia: 60-90% (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka).
• Sub-Saharan Africa: 70-90%, varies by ethnic group.
• Middle East/North Africa: 70-90%, with some countries close to 95%.
• United States: 30-50%, but varies widely by ancestry.

Here's Why Being Lactose Intolerant Matters, And What You Can Do About It

Just like in our house, many people don’t realize their digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea after milk) are tied to lactose intolerance, and misdiagnosis or self-blame can happen. If someone avoids dairy entirely without realizing why, they may miss out on calcium and vitamin D or find themselves needing substitutes.

When it comes to what you can do about it, take heart because there are options for you, according to multiple sources on the topic of lactose intolerance:

• If you suspect you’re lactose intolerant, try reducing or eliminating large amounts of dairy for a week or two and see if symptoms improve.
• Consider lactose-reduced dairy products, lactase enzyme supplements, or non-dairy alternatives.
• Always read food labels because many processed foods contain hidden lactose (in sauces, dressings, etc).
• If you’re in a community with higher risk (Asian, African, Hispanic), it might be worth increasing awareness and having a conversation with your healthcare provider or dietitian.

So the title of this piece isn’t just clickbait. The shocking number is real, and a large chunk of Illinoisans are likely dealing with lactose intolerance, even if they don’t know it. If you’re reading this and thinking “That’s me,” you’re far from alone.