What is A2 Milk?

If you’d asked a dairy farmer 200 years ago about the different kinds of milk available to the average consumer, he’d probably tell you there’s goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and cow’s milk.

He certainly wouldn’t know what to think when you told him, “Oh, well, there are six different kinds of cow’s milk,” and we’ve also been able to get milk from cashews, almonds, peas, soy, and more.

But that’s life in the 21st century.

You’ve got people telling you all dairy is terrible and that you should only drink plant-based milk, and then you’ve got others saying dairy in all forms is acceptable and healthy.

I’ll be honest. I allow my view on all things milk to be fluid (no pun intended).  I certainly believe God made animals for us to derive nutrition from…and I also believe that men can certainly mess things up when trying to improve on things that didn’t need to be altered.

Which is why I wanted to talk about A2 milk.

If you’re not getting milk straight from the source, there’s a chance you’re shopping for it in the refrigerated section of a grocery store.

In the past 1 to 2 years, you’ve likely seen cartons popping up with a little bit of text that says, “Made with A2 milk.”

So what is A2 milk? Is it good for you or bad for you?

Good news is I intend to answer that right here. 

What is A2 Milk and How is it Made?

I’m sure you’ve probably heard of people who can’t enjoy dairy products because they are lactose intolerant.

Lactose is a kind of sugar found in dairy, and when people who are lactose intolerant encounter it, their bodies react poorly when trying to digest it.

Many people don’t realize that there’s another nutrient in milk that can cause digestive distress: casein protein.

Casein protein can present digestive issues for the same reason lactose can present digestive issues.

Yet, far more people struggle to process casein than lactose.

And this is where A2 milk comes into play.

A2 milk is derived from cows that naturally produce milk with only the A2 type of beta-casein protein instead of the more common A1 protein or a mix of both.

Now, A2 milk is completely natural in that it is derived from cows that carry a specific gene type that causes A2 to be produced.  Over the past decade, farmers have begun selectively breeding these cows to create more A2 milk. The milk is carefully sourced and tested to contain just A2 milk.

Regular cow’s milk usually contains both A1 and A2 proteins, and so by eliminating the presence of A1 people who may get “wrecked” by the A1 protein can enjoy dairy again.

Here are some of the documented benefits of A2 milk

1 - Easier Digestion:

A2 milk is often touted for its digestibility. Many people experience digestive discomfort from regular milk due to the A1 protein. This protein can break down in the gut to produce a peptide called BCM-7, which some researchers argue may cause issues like bloating or cramps. With A2 milk, which lacks this protein, many individuals report feeling less discomfort and improved digestion. This can be particularly appealing for people who love milk but have had to restrict their intake due to these uncomfortable symptoms.

2 - Suitable for Some with Lactose Sensitivity:

While A2 milk is not a cure for lactose intolerance, it provides an alternative that some individuals with lactose sensitivity find more tolerable.

Since the discomfort from dairy isn't always solely due to lactose but sometimes a combination of lactose and protein sensitivities, A2 milk can present a more comfortable option. People with mild sensitivity may find they can enjoy A2 milk without experiencing the digestive issues they associate with regular milk.

3 - Rich in Nutrients:

A2 milk is packed with essential nutrients, much like regular milk. It is an excellent calcium source, vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also contains vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption and supports immune system health. A2 milk offers other nutrients such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus. These contribute to energy production, brain health, and the maintenance of the nervous system.

4 - Supports Heart Health:

Milk, including A2 milk, contains healthy fats that are important for heart health. These fats, in moderation, play a role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The presence of omega-3 fatty acids when cows are grass-fed can contribute to cardiovascular health. A balanced intake of healthy fats is crucial in supporting overall heart function and reducing the risk of heart disease.

5 - Potentially Fewer Inflammatory Properties:

There is ongoing research into how A1 and A2 proteins may affect inflammation in the body. Some studies suggest that the A1 protein could be linked to inflammatory markers, whereas A2 milk might induce a lesser inflammatory response. For individuals who experience inflammation-related discomfort after consuming dairy, A2 milk could be a more suitable option, though more research is needed to understand these effects fully.

Should You Drink A2 Milk (and other considerations)?

Whether or not you drink A2 milk is up to you and how your body reacts to dairy.

If you can drink dairy without issues, A2 milk might not be necessary.

Then again, if you know you’re not lactose intolerant but milk still gives you problems, A2 milk might be a good thing to try.

I would suggest, though, that regardless of whether or not you’re drinking A2 milk, you should do your best to drink organic milk from grass-fed cows (and doesn’t have much else done to it).

If you drink raw milk, you can also look for cows that are bred to only produce A2 milk.