Lactose molecular structure - Sweet Side of Chemistry

One of milk’s two sugars, lactose is not digestible in those lacking sufficient levels of lactase, which allows the body to metabolize that sugar. Certain parts of the world are reported to have higher incidences of lactose intolerance. NSF-funded Sarah Tishkoff at the University of Pennsylvania is studying the “gut microbiome” and its impact on nutritional status; such as its contribution to obesity, malnutrition and susceptibility to infectious disease. Her anthropologic study will explore lactose intolerance using data collected from people in eastern, central and southern Africa. Dr. Tishkoff's lab: http://www.med.upenn.edu/tishkoff/