A Single Meal of Milk Containing A2 Β-Casein Causes Fewer Symptoms and Lower Gas Production than Milk Containing Both A1 and A2 Β-Casein Among Lactose Intolerant Individuals

Abstract

Objectives We evaluated tolerance to single meals of milks containing different levels of a1 and a2 β-casein as compared to lactose-free milk. We also determined if lactose digestion was affected by a2, high a2 (Jersey) and high a1 (commercial) β-casein milks, as measured by breath hydrogen. Methods A double-blinded, randomized crossover trial was conducted in 21 verified lactose intolerant subjects, feeding four milks (commercial, Jersey, a2 and commercial lactose free) after an overnight fast. Breath hydrogen was measured, and intolerance symptoms were recorded for 6 hours following treatment. Results Mean hydrogen production and total symptoms were significantly lower following consumption of a2 milk as compared to commercial milk (P = 0.03 for both). Similarly, high a2 Jersey milk produced significantly lower hydrogen than commercial milk (P = 0.01). However, symptoms due to Jersey were not significantly different from commercial milk (P = 0.47). Conclusions A2 milk caused fewer symptoms and lower gas production in verified lactose intolerant subjects. Funding Sources Gift funds from the a2 Milk Company.

Benefits of A2 Milk for Sports Nutrition, Health and Performance

“…This morphine-like small peptide cannot be digested by human-associated enzymes, which causes indigestion problems. BCM-7 molecule was not observed in the urine or blood samples of A2 cows since A2 β-casein is broken down into peptides and then amino acids by an easy digestion process ( 27 , 41 ). In A1 milk consumption, in contrast, the peptides cannot be broken down into amino acids, which causes the transition of this molecule into the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream through leakages in the gut ( 25 ).…”

“…In another study, lactose intolerant individuals consumed A2 milk, A1 milk, regular milk without lactose, and Jersey milk to evaluate their gastrointestinal symptoms and hydrogen production during digestion. They showed that A2 milk causes considerably fewer gastrointestinal symptoms and pain ( 27 ). Another study also examined lactose intolerance symptoms after participants consume A1/A2 milk and only A2 milk.…”

“…Due to the easy-digest property of A2 milk, it is a source to make A2 milk-based meals for athletes pre- and pro-workout. Moreover, several popular dieticians have started to recommend the integration of A2 milk into athletes' diets in many ways ( 27 , 77 ). For instance, A2 milk can be used to prepare a post-workout snack by mixing a piece of fruits or a pre-workout snack having it with cereal or muesli.…”

“…An alternative for athletes who have GI discomfort or other health problems due to the consumption of regular milk is a critical requirement. Therefore, A2 milk, which lacks A1 β-casein and related BCM-7 expression, is considered to be a promising alternative to regular A1 milk for athletes who cannot consume it (26)(27)(28). A2 bovine milk not only offers all the health benefits of regular milk but also provides easy digestion for athletes (Figure 1).…”

Association of genotypes of cows of the Kholmogory breed by beta-casein with milk productivity

“…Считается, что А2 является исходным бета-казеиновым белком, а А1 это результат мутации, произошедшей у европейского крупного рогатого скота несколько тысяч лет назад [6,7]. «Молоко А2», полученное от коров с генотипами А2А2, является перспективным продуктом для производства, так как в отличие от «молока А1» не вызывает негативных последствий для организма человека: воспаление кишечника, обострение желудочнокишечных симптомов [8,9,10,11,12 Для определения аллелей А1 и А2 бетаказеина применяли аллель-специфичный вариант метода ПЦР (АС-ПЦР) [13].…”