States » NorthPosted at: Nov 14 2026 3:15PM


Three new genetic variants linked to milk digestion ability identified in Indian Himalayan populations

Varanasi, Nov 14 (UNI) Three unique genetic variants associated with milk digestion (lactose tolerance) have been identified for the first time in Indian Himalayan populations.
A study involving 13 scientists from six institutions has revealed that traditional communities living in the Himalayan regions have evolved specific genetic variations that enable them to digest milk and other dairy products.
The research was jointly conducted by scientists from the University of Calcutta, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.
According to Dr. Rakesh Tamang, Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Calcutta, Bhutia, Tamang, Sherpa, and other Tibetan-origin communities have been engaged in animal husbandry and dairy-related activities for centuries. The study identified genetic variants commonly found in populations of the Tibetan Plateau, along with variants previously reported in European and Indian plains populations.
The findings suggest that Himalayan populations share genetic adaptations for digesting milk and dairy products with Tibetan populations. People from Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have also been found to possess a greater ability to digest milk, yoghurt, and other dairy products.
The study's first author, Shaptaparni Dey, explained that the long-term consumption of milk and dairy products has contributed to a process of cultural and genetic co-evolution in these communities. This phenomenon is known as convergent evolution.
BHU scientist Dr. Chandana Basu and gene scientist Professor Gyaneshwar Choubey said the findings would be important in understanding ancient human migration patterns, dietary practices, and biological adaptations to mountainous environments.
They added that further research in this direction would involve genome sequencing and clinical studies to gain deeper insights into these genetic adaptations.
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