A1 or A2 milk: Which is the best and safest for you?

With an ongoing debate about the nutritional value and effects of A1 and A2 milk, a group of companies have come up with some research findings and studies that conclude the harm induced by A1 milk and list the benefits of A2 milk. Casein dominates a large part (80%) of the total protein content in milk. Milk is made up of several types of casein, of which beta casein is the most common. A1 beta casein is found in cows originating from the US, New Zealand, Australia and Northern Europe, while A2 beta casein appears in milk produced by traditional cows found in India and Africa.

Here we answer some frequently asked questions and dispel the myths that over time have been related to each type of milk.

What is A2 milk?

• Cow’s milk is an excellent source of protein, whey and casein, where casein is made up of different variants namely A1 and A2 beta-casein. The genetic structure of the cow governs the composition of the milk in terms of these beta caseins.
• In the US, most cows produce milk that contains A1 and A2 beta caseins. However, some breeds of cows produce milk with only beta casein A2 present in it. This milk is called A2 milk.

What are the health claims/risks associated with A1 milk?

• Reports by exponents state that milk protein A1 produces beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM7) which triggers adverse health effects such as type 1 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, autism, and digestive and inflammatory disorders in humans. Also, few theories suggest that drinking A1 milk can cause lactose intolerance and allergies in humans, and A2 milk can help cure the same.
• However, some scientific communities win to say that this evidence is not conclusive and affirm that there is no link between BCM7 and the mentioned non-communicable diseases, as stated by the research carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
• The lack of convincing data and reports has forced researchers to carry out specific studies on the relationship between the gastronomic effects of BCM7/A1 milk and human health.
• Despite the availability of indisputable facts, several large companies have begun to commercially sell A2 milk promoting and influencing the consumer market of its benefits.

What is the situation of dairy cattle in India?

• The native Indian cow and buffalo breeds produce A2 milk which is preferably safe for consumption. The A1 and A2 status of milk in animals is determined by the two allelomorphs of the beta-casein gene: A1 and A2.
• Animals can be homozygous (A1A1 or A2A2) or heterozygous (A1A2) for one type of milk protein: A1A1 animals produce only A1 milk, A2A2 animals produce A2 milk, and A1A2 animals produce milk with A1 and A2 beta caseins.
• According to a study conducted on 22 native Indian cattle breeds by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, the predominant genotype in Indian dairy animals is A2A2, confirming that they produce A2 milk.

What is the best type of milk that the Indian population can consume?

• With the lack of scientific data associated with the harmful effects of BCM7/A1 milk in humans and the prevalence of A2 dairy cattle in India, it is clear that there is no need for consumers to change the type of milk they consume. they have been using all the time. this years.
• In addition, there are specific symptoms of digestive disorders related to lactose intolerance in which a person cannot digest lactose due to deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced by the small intestine in humans, essential for the complete digestion of lactose. whole milk. However, lactose is present in both A1 and A2 milk, so consumers should be aware that switching to A2 milk will not help combat lactose intolerance.
• Recently, the dairy giants in India have started offering A2 milk to consumers at a premium price, and with the growing awareness of A1/A2 milk, they are also willing to shell out more money for high-quality and safe milk.