A1 and A2 milk:

Writer:Bishal kc

Adrese: Rukum

BSc Ag 3rd year( Banaras Hindu university)

Human has consumed milk once in a life time as milk being considered as a complete source diet. The benefits of milk in human system is well known. But recently there is a heated argument regarding  A1 and A2 milk about their health benefits offered by each of the milk. There has been growing preference  for A2 milk because of its health benefits.

1.What is A1 milk?

A1 milk is usually obtained from western origin cow breeds like Holstein, Jersey, Friesian etc. A1 milk contains A1 type Beta-Casein, which break down produces BCM-7 peptide.

2.What is A2 milk?

A2 milk is obtained from Indian origin cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal etc. A2 milk contains A2 type Beta-Casein.(which break down doesn't produce BCM-7 peptide. 

3.What is BCM-7?

BCM-7 stands for Beta casomorphin-7. It's also known as "MILK DEVIL". It is a opioid peptides, which attaches readily to opioid receptors in the brain. 

It is widely accepted that BCM7 is released only from digestion of A1 beta casein (produced by A1 cows) and not from digestion of A2 beta casein (produced by A2 cows). This has been shown by several scientific groups and was accepted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in their January 2009 report. But BCM7 is a tricky devil. It is difficult to measure, and although it has been found in stomach contents, urine, and even in brain post mortems, it has not previously been identified in human blood. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) relied heavily on this fact, saying that without proof that it was being absorbed into the blood system there could be no proven link between intake of A1 milk, the absorption of BCM7 and human health.

Now a group of 12 Russian scientists from four leading research institutions has developed a test for measuring BCM7 in the blood. They have also shown that babies fed formula milk do indeed absorb BCM7 into their blood. Both of these are huge breakthroughs (although the absorption is exactly what would be expected on theoretical grounds given the permeability of babies digestive systems) . But the Russians have gone much further than that. They have shown that some of the babies can get rid of the BCM7 rapidly from their systems, but that other babies retain it in the bloodstream. And then comes the final blow. Those babies who are unable to rapidly breakdown and excrete the BCM7 from their systems are at very high risk of delayed psychomotor development.

4. A1 Vs A2:

Although both types of milk come from the same source that is the cow, there is a considerable difference in their chemical compositions. There is a difference in the ratios of lactose (carbohydrate component) and fatty acids (fat component) in both milks. However, it is the protein component in the milk that differentiates the two from each other in terms of quality. A1 milk has A1 type of protein (casein) and A2 milk has A2 type of protein (casein). This is important because the way the milk is broken down and metabolised in the system is different.

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 effect causes constipation, hence, child.. who consume A1 milk are usually constipated. A1 milk protein has ‘Histidine’ at 67th position which is released to form Histamine (causing allergic reactions). As a result of this, kids tend to develop allergic dermatitis(allergy on skin), allergic rhinitis (running 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 carbohydrate in A1 milk encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in human intestine, leading to reduced immunity in children. On the other hand, A2 milk encourages better immunity. Studies have shown that consuming A1 milk could negatively affect the immunohormonal system, and contribute to type 1 diabetes or heart disease. Benefits of A2 milk far outweigh the potential risks caused by A1 milk on the human body.