What makes A2 milk different from regular milk? One key difference could make a difference for your health

Humans have been drinking milk for thousands of years from both animals and plant-based sources. However, a new trend began with dairy milk around two decades ago with the advent of a product marketed as A2 Milk.

The A2 refers to the A2 beta-casein protein, which is one of the two most common proteins of the many found in cow milk, with the other most common being A1 beta-casein.

What makes A2 milk different from regular milk?

Regular milk typically contains both in varying quantities, but A2 milk is supposed to only have the A2 beta-casein protein. It is believed that milk with only the A2 protein is easier to digest than milk containing the A1 protein.

This is because when the A1 protein is broken down in the body, a compound called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) may be released but is not consistently found to happen. However, when it does, “BCM-7 may contribute to digestive symptoms like gas and cramping,” Frances Largeman-Roth, a registered dietitian, told Good Housekeeping.

How is A2 milk created?

Both regular milk and A2 milk are obtained the same way, straight from the cow. Which type comes out depends on the genetics of the cow.

Jersey, Guernsey, Normande, and Brown Swiss breeds are the most likely to have the A2A2 gene while Holstein and Friesian, which are more common in the United States, tend to produce milk with more A1 protein. But cows can be selectively bred to only produce A2 protein.

Because of the time and cost that go into building up an A2 only herd along with certifying that a cow’s milk only contains the A2 protein, means that it is more expensive. It can cost 30% to 50% more than regular milk, and is priced similar to or even more than organic milk.

Is it worth spending more for A2 milk?

You will get the same vitamins and minerals from both regular milk and A2 milk as well as calcium and protein explained Lagrange.

Despite claims by marketers of A2 milk, the science is inconclusive on whether A2 milk is easier to digest than A1 milk. And if you are lactose intolerant, you should only drink lactose-free milk, be it regular or A2 only.

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