Roots of milk drinking revealed by South Asian genomes

The ability to drink milk in South Asian populations is attributed to natural selection, particularly in groups reliant on dairy as a primary food source. Genetic evidence from South Asian genomes indicates adaptations for lactose tolerance, suggesting that individuals who could effectively digest lactose were favored by natural selection. The article challenges the notion that lactose tolerance is a universal trait, highlighting its prevalence in specific South Asian groups due to unique historical and environmental contexts. This focus on South Asian genomes contributes to the understanding of human adaptation and dietary practices, indicating ongoing scholarly interest in the genetics of lactose tolerance.