Long ago, milk was limited to just a few options: Whole, low-fat, skim, and maybe chocolate if you were lucky.
Today, the milk aisle is as diverse as a sugary cereal aisle, with choices like nut milks, flax milk, oat milk, and even goat milk. One lesser-known option you may come across is A2 milk.
Exploring A2 Milk
A2 milk is cow’s milk that primarily contains A2 beta-casein, which is believed to be easier for the body to digest and absorb. This sets it apart from most cow’s milk in the U.S., which has a combination of A2 and A1 beta-casein.
Introduced by The a2 Milk Company in New Zealand in 2003, A2 milk has since become a $2 billion industry.
The company states that A2 milk is available in over 29,000 U.S. retailers, including major stores like Costco and Walmart, offering whole, reduced-fat, and skim options.
A1 vs. A2 Milk
Proponents of A2 milk suggest that A1 beta-casein can be challenging to digest for some individuals and may impact blood sugar levels. However, research on these claims is limited.
Casein, the primary protein group in milk, consists of 13 types, with A1 and A2 being the most common.
Production and Distinction of A2 Milk
A2 milk is sourced from cows with a genetic variation that results in A2 beta-casein without A1 beta-casein. Cows producing A2 milk are primarily found in parts of Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe, whereas Western cows typically produce A1 milk.
Potential Benefits of A2 Milk
Assessing the advantages of A2 milk over conventional milk can be challenging due to studies primarily funded by The a2 Milk Company and the dairy industry, both with vested interests.
These are some asserted benefits of A2 milk:
1. Improved Digestibility
Research suggests that A1 beta-casein may take longer to digest for some individuals, potentially leading to digestive issues. However, human studies on this topic are limited.
A study by Purdue University showed reduced GI symptoms in lactose-intolerant participants consuming A2 milk compared to regular cow’s milk.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation
Claims dating back to the 1980s suggest that A1 beta-casein in milk may impact blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health, attributed to the amino acid BCM-7 produced during digestion. However, no concrete evidence supports these claims.
Possible Drawbacks of A2 Milk
The risks associated with A2 milk mirror those of regular cow’s milk.
Lactose Intolerance
A2 milk contains lactose similar to regular cow’s milk, potentially causing digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Allergic Reactions
Despite its differences, A2 milk remains cow’s milk and can trigger allergic responses in individuals allergic to cow’s milk.
