With an ongoing debate on the nutritional value and effects of A1 and A2 milk, a group of companies has presented some research results and studies that conclude the harm induced by A1 milk while listing the benefits of milk. A2. 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. Beta A1 casein is found in cows originating in the US, New Zealand, Australia, and Northern Europe, while beta A2 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 have been associated with each type of milk over time.

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 makeup of the cow governs the composition of the milk with respect to 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 A2 casein present in it. This milk is called A2 milk.

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

• Reports by exponents claim 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 consuming A1 milk can cause lactose intolerance and allergies in humans, and A2 milk can help cure them.

• However, some scientific communities contradict this evidence as inconclusive and claim that there is no link between BCM7 and the mentioned non-communicable diseases, as stated by research carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

• The lack of convincing data and reports has forced researchers to conduct 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 started to sell A2 milk commercially promoting and influencing the consumer market for its benefits.

What is the situation of dairy cattle in India?

• Native cow and buffalo breeds of Indian cattle produce A2 milk that 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 for the Indian population to consume?

• With the lack of scientific facts associated with the harmful effects of BCM7 / A1 milk on humans and the prevalence of A2 dairy cattle in India, there is visibly no need for consumers to change the type of milk they have been consuming. this years.

• In addition, there are specific digestive disorder symptoms associated with 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 them combat lactose intolerance.

• Recently, the Indian dairy giants have started offering A2 milk to consumers at a premium rate, and with the growing awareness of A1 / A2 milk, they are also willing to shell out more money for safe, high-quality milk.