What precisely is A2 milk, and is it still a healthier option for people who have trouble digesting milk? Like soy, oat, or almond milk, A2 milk is not a recent non-dairy milk substitute. Authentic cow's milk is what it is. The only milk that cows made prior to becoming domesticated was A2. The protein profile of A2 milk differs slightly from that of A1 milk.

Regular milk and A2 milk differ primarily in that regular milk contains both A1 and A2 (forms of beta-casein), whereas A2 milk may only contain A2 beta-casein. In contrast to A2 milk, which generally promotes good health, certain research suggest that A1 milk may precipitate several disorders. A1 and A2 beta-casein are both naturally produced by cows, however due to a genetic mutation, some cows only naturally produce A2 beta-casein, which is used to make A2 milk. 

Milk that solely includes A2 is a good alternative because A1 can be challenging for many people to stomach. This enables people like Sofia to once again enjoy milk. A2 milk may be the solution for you if you have difficulties digesting milk, even if you believe it is due to lactose intolerance.

Casein and whey proteins make up the two main protein subgroups in traditional cow's milk. Caseins, which come in a variety of forms like alpha, beta, and gamma caseins, typically account for about 80% of the protein content. As was already mentioned, the type of beta-casein found in A2 milk is important.

We have digestive enzymes in our intestines that can break down A1 beta-casein, but not A2, when we consume milk. The issue is that when A1 beta-casein is broken down, it releases a tiny peptide known as beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). A protein fragment that has been cut off is simply referred to as a peptide.

The protein A1 beta-casein has 209 amino acids overall, whereas the peptide BCM-7 is only 7 amino acids long. BCM-7 is a very active protein in our body despite its small size. Our brainstem, internal organs, and gastrointestinal system have all been known to interact with this peptide. It has been linked to a host of issues relating to gastrointestinal distress, and a big portion of the population finds it challenging to consume.

Plus, you'll face the broader issues that are common to dairy products. For instance, every pasteurized dairy product, whether A1 or A2, is heat-treated in a way that denatures the milk's proteins and increases their allergen city for some people. The nutritional composition of the milk that cows produce can alter, sometimes in ways that are less healthful for those who consume it, depending on what they are fed. Nonorganic dairy products can also be high in antibiotics and environmental contaminants.

Choose your dairy wisely, whether it is A1 or A2, and cut back or completely avoid it from your diet if it bothers you or if you have concerns about any other potential health issues that may be related to dairy.