Milk bloated our ancestors and gave them diarrhoea!
The development of our lactase gene has allowed us to enjoy that vital cup of milky starbucks latte, not permitted to lactose intolerant neolithic people.
Studies at UCL have revealed that as surprisingly late as 7,000 years ago Europeans were unable to tolerate lactose after childhood as a result of a missing gene. This recent discovery is of particular interest as, from an evolutionary perspective, it proves that such adaptations can occur in a relatively short space of time.
The Neolithic skeletons tested, were living between 5840-5000BC. These ancient peoples could have profitted greatly from the ability to digest milk because of the nourishment it provides and the fact that it is uncontaminated by parasites. However, their bone marrow DNA carried no trace of the 'breaking down" enzyme lactase thus leading to calcium deficiences.
The Neolithic skeletons tested, were living between 5840-5000BC. These ancient peoples could have profitted greatly from the ability to digest milk because of the nourishment it provides and the fact that it is uncontaminated by parasites. However, their bone marrow DNA carried no trace of the 'breaking down" enzyme lactase thus leading to calcium deficiences.