Many of you have probably seen a2 MilkTM in the dairy section of the supermarket and thought, “Strange name, what is a2?”
Or perhaps you have seen a story on A2 milk aired by Today Tonight, A Current Affair or the 7:30 Report?
A2 milk has been available in Australia since 2003 however recent stories in the media have prompted much discussion about this milk and its proposed health benefits including “intolerance protection”.
What is A2?
Dairy milk contains six main types of protein – four casein proteins and two whey proteins. The casein proteins comprise about 80% of milk and one of these includes beta casein. A1 and A2 are the two most common forms of the beta casein protein. Most milk in Australia contains a combination of these proteins.
A2 milk is high in A2 beta casein. This composition of milk is achieved by selecting cows that naturally produce milk high in the A2 protein. Particular breeds of cattle, such as Guernseys and Jerseys possess this trait. These cows are then milked to produce A2 milk.
Why A2 milk?
There have been recent studies to suggest that A1 beta casein found in milk is linked to type 1 diabetes, heart disease, schizophrenia and autism. The strongest evidence comes from a population study comparing the type of milk consumed in 20 countries and rates of type 1 diabetes and heart disease. In line with this evidence is support for A2 milk, which is free of the A1 protein. A2 Dairy Products, producers of a2 MilkTM, also claim its products offer “natural intolerance protection”.
However many leading industry bodies including Dairy Australia, are of the opinion that current scientific evidence is insufficient to support the link between these severe health problems and A1 beta casein found in milk. Detailed reports released by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority in August 2004 and the European Food Safety Authority in February 2009, both conclude that there is no cause for concern with A1 beta casein-containing milk. In Australia, you can rest assured that the food industry watchdog, Food Standards Australia New Zealand is monitoring the research but is currently of the similar view that regulatory action is not warranted based on the available evidence.
As for the vague claim of “intolerance protection” – which we can only guess refers to lactose intolerance – a2 MilkTM contains the same levels of lactose found in standard milks therefore is unlikely to be resolve problems of lactose intolerance.
Should I buy A2 milk?
The nutritional composition of A2 milk varieties is comparable to standard milks including similar energy, protein, lactose and calcium content. a2 MilkTM does not contain additives or permeate and is 100% produced in Australia. According to Nutrition Gurus milk connoisseur, a2 MilkTM tastes….
However, at $2.89 per litre, a2 MilkTM is twice the price of standard milk without contributing any proven additional health benefits.
Regardless of which milk you choose to buy, make sure dairy is a regular part of your diet. Aiming for 2-3 serves a day will help you meet your body’s calcium and protein requirements for good health.
For more information:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dietitians Association of Australia
- New Zealand Food Safety Authority
Tags: A1 Beta, A1 protein, A2 Milk, Calcium, dairy, energy, lactose, Milk, protein
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A2 Milk from a2 Dairy Products does not contain permeate either. The link to heart disease etc is not 100% proven, but there is a link to BCM-7 and a1 Beta CN produces BCM-7 whereas a2 beta CN does not. The outcome of the reposts from the food agencies also highlight that more research is required. A good book to read is “Devil in the Milk” by Keith Woodford ISBN 978-1-877333-70-5.