Let’s talk about something I’ve been delving into lately: A2 dairy. You may have heard of it, maybe in the process of talking about food intolerance or inflammation. So, what makes A2 dairy stand out from your standard A1 dairy? Why do we still care about differences? Is it just another healthy fashion, or is there real scientific evidence behind it?
If you have digestive problems after drinking milk, or feel that your favorite dairy product won’t sit with you, you might want to keep reading. A2 dairy may be a game-changer you don’t know you need. And, this may just help your body be more comfortable while still enjoying those creamy, delicious dairy cuisines.
A2 Milk and Dairy Products
Recently, I have been trying A2 dairy products, especially ultrafiltration A2 milk. Compared to other milk products, this version of lactose milk has up to 50% protein and 30% more sugar than other milks.
In this post, I broke down everything you need to know about A2 dairy and how it differs from A1 dairy. We will also explore why A2 dairy is easier on the digestive system, why it has less sugar and more protein and how it is associated with less inflammation. Spoiler Alert: If you are struggling with bloating, stomach aches, or other dairy-related digestive problems, A2 dairy can be a great option to help you get back to your best shape.
Quick primer for dairy protein
First, let’s start with the basics. There are several types of proteins in milk, two are mainly casein and whey. Casein accounts for about 80% of the protein in milk, and there are different varieties of casein. The two most common (about 30% of milk protein) are the A1β-protein protein and the A2β-protein.
- A1 casein It is the most common type of milk from most cattle in the world, especially in North America and Europe. This includes the Holstein cattle.
- A2 caseinOn the other hand, some cattle breeds have been found in Jersey, Guernsey and some other legacy products. It’s not as common as A1, but it has been causing a sensation in the health community because of its potential health benefits.
So, what’s the big deal with A1 vs. A1? Why should we care about the differences between these two types of β-protein proteins?
Key Differences Between A2 and A1 Dairy Products
At first glance, you might think that all milk is almost the same. It’s milk, right? What’s the difference? But here’s the fact: While A1 and A2 milks look and taste the same, our body handles them in fact completely differently. The main difference comes down to how the body digests milk protein.
A2 dairy products are easier to digest
One of the biggest reasons A2 dairy is that it is easier to digest than A1 dairy. This difference is largely due to the way proteins break down in the digestive system.
When you eat A1 dairy, casein protein breaks down into a compound called BCM-7 (β-enzyme 7). This compound can cause some people to feel digestive discomfort, bloating, gas and even diarrhea. For some people, BCM-7 is also associated with intestinal inflammation and may stimulate conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or other digestive problems.
On the other hand, A2 dairy products do not produce BCM-7 when digested. Therefore, it tends to be softer. Without BCM-7, this allows the digestive system to process A2 milk more smoothly. This is why many people find that they don’t feel digestive discomfort with A2 dairy like regular A1 milk.
So if you have ever had trouble with traditional dairy products in the past (whether it’s bloating, discomfort or gasoline), then A2 dairy may be worth a try.
A2 dairy products with less inflammation
Let’s go into the science of inflammation for a second. We know that inflammation is the culprit of sneaky, silent consequences that affect almost every aspect of your health. Inflammation plays a role in everything from gut health to skin, joints and even psychological clarity. Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, heart disease and digestive system diseases.
This is not a bad thing in itself. We need to do things like healing wounds in a short period of time. The problem is when it becomes chronic as a response to things that stimulate our bodies. Addressing the root causes of health problems will also reduce the inflammation that comes with it.
A1 casein is associated with higher inflammation levels. As mentioned earlier, when we digest A1 milk, it breaks down into BCM-7, which triggers an inflammatory response in the body. Some studies have shown that BCM-7 may even cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the brain’s immune response. Not ideal, right?
However, A2 dairy products don’t make BCM-7, and some studies have shown that it may cause inflammation. As a result, it has become a popular option for those who are sensitive to inflammation or have inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders and even chronic skin problems.
A2 dairy has more protein and less sugar
Now, let’s talk about the macronutrients – protein and sugar. As you probably know, we all need protein to build muscle, tissue repair, and metabolic support. Protein is one of the most important nutrients for overall health, and A2 dairy provides you with a boost of protein without sugar overload.
- More protein: A2 milk has more protein than A1 milk. While the difference can be small, every point helps when you try to increase your protein intake. This is especially true if you follow a high-protein diet or seek to exercise lean muscle. More protein means more muscle building and fullness, and it also helps the body’s stress response. When the body is under stress, the right protein level supports muscle repair and recovery.
- Less sugar: Compared to regular A1 milk, A2 milk has slightly less sugar, which is a better reason for those who want to reduce sugar intake. While milk is not usually a sugary drink, reducing any unnecessary sugar is always a good idea for overall health, and A2 dairy can help you do that.
The protein I’ve been trying more than filtered A2 milk is much larger than other milks. On the go, I even used it as a protein source and a protein alternative.
How A2 dairy products support your gut and health
So we know that A2 dairy is easier on the digestive system and may contribute to inflammation, but not just surface level benefits. For those with sensitive digestive systems, switching to A2 dairy can provide much-needed relief.
Many people with dairy intolerance (but not real milk allergies) have difficulty digesting the protein in regular A1 milk. As a result, they often experience symptoms such as abdominal distension, stomach cramps, or irregular intestinal movements. A2 dairy products can provide a milder alternative that provides the same nutritional benefits of conventional dairy without feeling uncomfortable.
A2 milk is also an important source of calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats. Supporting your digestive system and providing high-quality nutrition can help promote overall gut health, support bone health and help balance hormones.
Are A2 dairy products a miracle food?
With all the buzz around A2 dairy, you might be wondering if this is everything from digestive problems to inflammation. A2 dairy is certainly an excellent choice for many, especially those who feel uncomfortable with traditional dairy products. However, it is important to remember that this is not a “crystalline” solution.
A2 dairy products are best used as part of a comprehensive, nutritious diet. It can support your gut health and reduce inflammation, but if you haven’t taken care of other aspects of your health, such as sleep, stress management, and moisture, it won’t solve all the problems. It is also worth noting that if you have a real milk allergy, A2 dairy will not be for you as it still has milk protein.
Nowadays, more and more raw milk farmers also provide A2 dairy products. Raw milk is a live food rich in probiotics and nutrients that is destroyed during pasteurization. For patients with lactose intolerance, A2 raw milk is usually easier to digest because it naturally contains the digestive enzyme lactase (also destroyed during pasteurization). However, not everyone can use high-quality A2 original milk source.
Why I like A2 dairy (and why you can too)
Now that we’ve explored the science behind A2 dairy, let’s talk about why I like it and why you might want to try it. I’ve tried over filtered A2 milk on Pioneer Ranch for weeks and I’ve noticed that I’m much easier to digest than regular milk. It was nice to know that I could enjoy my morning coffee and then have a cup of creamy milk (and didn’t feel swollen or gassy later). In addition, A2 dairy products feel like a natural and healthier choice.
The final thought
So you have it, what you need to know about A2 dairy and how it differs from traditional A1 dairy. A2 milk is easier to digest, causes less inflammation, and provides more protein and less sugar. If you’re having trouble with regular dairy products or just want to improve your digestive health and overall well-being, it’s worth switching to A2.
But like anything, the key is balance. A2 dairy is a great choice, but it should be part of an overall health approach, including proper sleep, stress management and a nutritious diet.
Are you experiencing digestion problems with regular milk? Would you consider trying A2 milk? Leave a comment and let us know!
