What is A2 Milk & How Is It Used in Children Formula?

 

Is your child’s milk formula causing some tummy troubles? There is a natural option that is easy for your child to digest.

What is a Formula with A2 Milk Protein?

 

A formula with A2 milk protein is an alternative to regular cow’s milk. Emerging evidence from studies in preschool children and adults suggests A2 milk protein is less likely to be associated with digestive discomfort. [1]

Most cow’s milk found in grocery stores contains two beta-casein proteins that are known as A1 and A2. But this wasn’t always the case. Back in the day, cows only produced the A2 protein. At some point along the way, a mutation occurred, and most of our milk-producing friends started to make the A1 protein as well.Luckily, there are still cows out there that only produce the A2 protein. They are the ones that make A2 milk possible.

Luckily, there are still cows out there that only produce the A2 protein. They are the ones that make A2 milk possible.

A2 milk is not a product of genetic engineering or modification. It’s naturally obtained from these special cows. And since all cows’ milk originally only contained the A2 protein (and no A1), we could say A2 milk is the OG of milk.

A1 vs. A2 Protein: What’s the Difference?

 

So what sets A1 and A2 apart? The distinction between the two proteins is subtle. They only differ in structure by one amino acid, but that tiny variance may have a big impact on the way the protein is digested. A theory suggests that digestion of milk that only contains A2 may lead to less production of bioactive peptide associated with digestive discomfort. [1]

How Is Formula with only A2 Milk Protein different from Regular Milk?

 

If you take a trip to the grocery store, there are so many milk choices in the dairy isle. Whole, fatfree, organic, soy – the options are endless! Today, we are more informed when it comes to meeting our specific food needs and we are constantly looking for alternatives to accommodate our lifestyles

That’s where A2 milk comes into the mix. Regular cow’s milk contains both the A1 and A2 beta- casein proteins. A2 milk containing only A2 protein is less associated with digestive discomfort in subjects intolerant to milk consumption. [2] A2 milk comes from hand-picked, DNA-tested cows that only produce the A2 beta-casein protein.

What Are the Benefits of Formula with only A2 Milk Protein?

 

It can be disheartening to see your child upset or in discomfort. Symptoms of discomfort associated with milk consumption could include gas and bloating. This type of digestive discomfort can often lead to a fussy, crying child.

Formula with A2 milk may be naturally easy-to-digest for your child’s tummy as it is selectively sourced from grass-fed A2 cows.

If your child seems to be experiencing milk-related discomfort, consult with your doctor to see how your child could benefit from formula containing only the A2 milk protein.

 

References:

[1] Chapter 20 - Milk Proteins: Digestion and Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract, Editor(s): Harjinder Singh, Mike Boland, Abby Thompson, In Food Science and Technology, Milk Proteins (Second Edition), Academic Press, 2014, Pages 557-569,

[2] Lacroix M et al., Compared with casein or total milk protein, digestion of milk soluble proteins is too rapid to sustain the anabolic postprandial amino acid requirement. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1070- 9.