Why A2 Milk is Much Better than A1
Beta-casein is a protein that is contained in most mammal milks.
Some milks contain the A1 variant and some contain the A2 variant of beta-casein.
A1 milk is the most abundantly available, and the most commonly consumed milk today, in the US. A1 milk is obtained from cows of Western origin like Holstein, Friesian, Jersey etc., who yield large quantities of milk. A2 is present in camel milk, donkey milk and human milk.
There is a big difference in how the body reacts to A1 milk versus A2. According to Dr Harish Kumar H, “When the body tries to breakdown casein in A1 milk, a chemical component called BCM-7 is released, which is the reason for morphine-like effects on the central nervous system. BCM-7 causes addiction towards milk, hence children prefer to consume milk all the time. Neuro disorders like cognitive disorders, which affect learning ability and aggravated symptoms of autism, are also caused by A1 milk, because of the presence of a morphine-like compound. Morphine affects constipation, hence children who consume A1 milk are usually constipated.
“A1 milk protein can release a form of histamine causing allergic reactions. As a result of this, kids tend to develop allergic dermatitis (allergy on skin), allergic rhinitis (runny nose), allergic cough and asthma.
“Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism can get affected in children consuming A1 milk, leading to increased long-term risks of obesity and diabetes.
“Additionally, lactose intolerance is high with A1 milk. Fat and carbohydrates in A1 milk encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the human intestine, leading to reduced immunity in children.”
Benefits of A2 Milk
A2 milk does not produce BCM-7 when consumed.
Medical News Today reported:
“Symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea that occur after consuming dairy products, are typically attributed to lactose intolerance. However, some researchers believe that it is BCM-7, not lactose, that affects digestion and produces symptoms similar to lactose intolerance, in some people.
“A study on Chinese adults with self-reported milk intolerance compared the effects of drinking regular milk that contained A1 and A2 proteins with A2-only milk on intestinal function, stomach discomfort, and inflammation.
“The participants consumed 8 oz of milk twice a day for 2 weeks. They reported worse stomach pain after they consumed the regular milk but no change in symptoms after they drank the A2 milk.
“Participants also reported more frequent and looser-consistency stools while they drank the regular milk. These symptoms did not occur after they consumed the A2 milk.”
As camels only produce milk with A2 beta-casein, Camelicious camel milk powder is usually very well tolerated by children, even those who experience problems when drinking regular cow's milk containing A1 beta-casein.