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Apr 10, 2018 · Of course, A2 milk proponents claim that many of these people are tolerant of lactose and don’t need to avoid all milk, just A1-containing milk. Prior to a genetic mutation in Europe...
Sep 16, 2024 · Research has shown that A2 milk is easier on the digestive system for people who are sensitive to regular cow’s milk but are not lactose intolerant. In a 2019 randomized, double-blind, crossover study conducted in China, children who drank A2 milk in place of the standard milk with both A1 and A2 proteins reported fewer gastrointestinal ...
- Overview
- Differences between A1 and A2 milk
- History
- Benefits
- Potentially harmful effects
- Risks
- Milk alternatives
A2 milk is a type of cow’s milk. Supporters of A2 milk claim that it is easier to digest and absorb than other types of milk. There are possible health benefits and potentially harmful side effects of A2 milk.
This article provides an overview of A2 milk, its possible health benefits and risks, and current research surrounding the product.
Milk is a good source of protein, containing 8 grams (g) per 8-ounce (oz) glass. The two major proteins in milk are casein and whey.
Casein accounts for about 80 percent of the protein in milk. There are also different types of casein, one of which is called beta-casein.
Beta-casein makes up about 30 percent of the protein in cow’s milk. A1 and A2 are two variants of beta-casein.
Historically, cows produced milk that contained only the A2 form of beta-casein. Today, most of the milk available from the local grocery store contains mostly A1 proteins.
A1 and A2 proteins affect the body differently.
When A1 protein is digested in the small intestine, it produces a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). The intestines absorb BCM-7, and it then passes into the blood. Doctors have linked BCM-7 to stomach discomfort and symptoms similar to those experienced by people with lactose intolerance.
The structure of A2 protein is more comparable to human breast milk, as well as milk from goats, sheep, and buffalo.
In 2000, a scientist in New Zealand founded the a2 Milk Company. This company provides milk from cows that only produce the A2 protein.
Symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea that occur after consuming dairy products, are typically attributed to lactose intolerance. However, some researchers believe that it is BCM-7, not lactose, that affects digestion and produces symptoms similar to lactose intolerance, in some people.
A study on Chinese adults with self-reported milk intolerance compared the effects of drinking regular milk that contained A1 and A2 proteins with A2-only milk on intestinal function, stomach discomfort, and inflammation.
The participants consumed 8 oz of milk twice a day for 2 weeks. They reported worse stomach pain after they consumed the regular milk but no change in symptoms after they drank the A2 milk.
Participants also reported more frequent and looser-consistency stools while they drank the regular milk. These symptoms did not occur after they consumed the A2 milk.
Inflammation
In the same study mentioned above, researchers also looked at markers of inflammation in the blood. They found the participants had higher levels of inflammatory markers after they drank the regular milk.
Brain function
The research showed that milk could impact brain function. Study participants took longer to process information and made more errors on a test after drinking regular milk compared to A2 milk.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks cells responsible for producing insulin. Usually diagnosed in children or teenagers, the incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing around the world. Genetic and environmental factors, such as diet, play a role in the disease process. Some studies have shown that children who drink cow’s milk protein at an earlier age than others have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. However, other studies have not shown the same association. The research also suggests that the amount of milk a child consumes could influence their risk of developing type 1 diabetes, with higher milk consumption observed in children who develop the condition. At least one study showed a link between the consumption of A1 protein and incidence of type 1 diabetes, although this kind of study fails to prove that it is a direct cause. Some animal studies have shown associations between cow’s milk consumption and a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes. One study in mice found that 47 percent of the mice that had A1 protein added to their diet developed diabetes, while none that had A2 protein added did so. However, other research does not support the hypothesis that there is any association between milk consumption and a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes.
A2 milk still contains lactose and milk protein, so it is not appropriate for people with lactose intolerance, galactosemia, or a milk allergy.
Furthermore, some people choose not to consume dairy and to follow a vegan diet, the Paleo diet, or to try to reduce acne and other conditions by eliminating dairy.
A note on A2 milk studies
It is important for people considering A2 milk to know that the a2 Milk Company and the dairy industry have funded most of the studies on A2 milk.
The controversy over A1 and A2 milk types gained prominence after a New Zealand-based scientist claimed that more A1 protein in milk over A2 could lead to type 1 diabetes, autism, cardiovascular disease and digestive issues. (Getty Images)
Nov 24, 2022 · If you're lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk may be a better choice for you than A2 milk. Like "regular" milk and A2 milk, lactose-free milk has all the nutritional...
Jul 17, 2023 · The amount of lactose in A1 and A2 milk is the same. However, some people feel that A2 milk causes less bloating than A1 milk.
People also ask
Is a2 Milk better for lactose intolerant people?
Is lactose-free milk better than a2 Milk?
Is A2 milk lactose-free?
Aug 29, 2022 · If you are lactose intolerant and can comfortably drink lactose-free milk, A2 milk won’t offer additional benefits. Similarly, if you already digest conventional cow’s milk just...
