A1 Milk Versus A2 Milk: Which One Is Better For Health?

Answer

• A₂ milk is a type of cow milk that is claimed to have better health benefits than A₁ milk.
• All Indian breeds of cows give A₂ milk.
• Buffalo, goat, camel, and sheep milk are A₂ milk.
• While the scientific verdict is unclear, avoiding A₁ milk, especially for infants, is better.

The Science

• A 250 mL glass of milk has 9 grams of protein: 80% casein and 20% whey protein.
• Forty per cent of casein is a subtype called beta-casein, which has two main variants, A₁ and A₂ beta-caseins.
• Historically, cow milk had A₂ beta-casein protein. But a thousand years ago, with mutation, some cows started producing the A₁ variant.
• When A₁ milk is digested, a compound called BCM-7 is produced and absorbed in the intestines.
• BCM-7 has been linked to inflammation and heart disease, gut discomfort (bloating, flatulence, and loose motions), and autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes and autism.
• BCM-7 is found to affect infants much more than adults.
• Many government organisations claim that the evidence is inadequate to comment on the superiority of A₂ over A₁ milk for human consumption.

A₂ Milk Scenario in India

• In India, A₂ milk is roughly fifty per cent more expensive than A₁ milk.
• Indian breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Hallikar, Malnad Gidda, Punganur, and Amrit Mahal produce A₂ milk, while Western varieties such as Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire, and Jersey produce A₁ milk.

Summary

• It is better to use A₂ milk for infants.
• For adults, it is okay to continue with A₁ milk and wait for future developments.

To Read More

• European Food Safety Authority: Review of the potential health impact of β-casomorphins and related peptides
• ABC News: Dr Karl explains the difference between A₁ and A₂ milk
• Medical News Today: The benefits and risks of A₂ milk
• Today’s Dietitian: Ask the Expert: A₁ vs A₂ Milk Proteins
• ThePrint: 90% of India’s milk, including all buffaloes’, has A₂ protein. Premium is gimmick — Amul MD
• Healthline: A₁ vs. A₂ Milk — Does It Matter?

First Published on: 13th May 2023
Image Credit: tawatchai07 on Freepik
Last Updated on: 29th May 2023