Here is the lowdown on the differences between A1 and A2 milk. Confused? Find out what’s best for your little one’s tummy
Everyone knows that milk is a vital source of calcium to build strong bones and healthy teeth. It’s also a natural source of carbohydrate for energy and contains protein for growth and development, right? Yes, got it.
But here’s what you probably didn’t know.
There are two main types of proteins found in cow’s milk, namely casein and whey, which make up to 80% and 20% of the protein content of the milk respectively. And 30-35% of the major casein component (equivalent to two teaspoons in a litre of milk or one third of the milk’s total protein content) is known as beta-casein
Read more: 6 essential brain foods for children
A2 beta-casein
There are two types of beta-casein: A1 and A2. While the difference between A1 and A2 is only one amino acid (protein building blocks) out of the usual 209 present, this tiny change greatly affects the protein composition of the milk, resulting in the protein (and thus the milk) having different properties.
Human breast milk, goat and sheep’s milk, and certain varieties of cow’s milk, all naturally contain the A2 beta casein.
So, why is A2 better?
The difference is simple. The effect on our own and the precious little tummies we look after. The consensus between both health care professionals and consumers is that A2 milk doesn’t provide any of the digestive discomfort which is often experienced from drinking cow’s milk.
Dr Alex Richardson, Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University suggests, “In my experience, many people who don’t have classic allergic reactions to cows’ milk protein nonetheless react badly to ordinary A1 cows’ milk (and products made from this), but can happily consume A2 milk without experiencing any of the same problems. Sensitivity to the opioid peptide BCM-7, which is produced from A1 but not A2 milk, could help to explain why this is so.”
While Dr Richardson concludes that more research is needed to fully understand this sensitivity, could A2 milk be the answer to the growing global population that is affected by cow’s milk allergies and discomfort
How is A2 milk made?
The answer is yes and no. A2 milk comes from cows that are specially hand-picked (also known as comprehensive herd selection) to naturally produce only A2 protein and no A1. But, it is important to note that while drinking A2 milk will address digestive discomfort, it is not organic, nor is it to be used as a milk substitute for infants or adults with cow milk protein allergies.
Read more: Baby Food, what’s best for your baby?
A2 milk will usually contain roughly the same quantity of lactose that is found in standard milk too, and therefore is not a cure for anyone who is lactose intolerant. Furthermore, A2 milk contains all of the proteins that you would find in regular cow’s milk, except for the A1 beta-casein protein, hence people suffering from any type of cows’ milk allergies will not be able to drink A2 milk either.
Other products produced using A2 milk include thickened cream, infant formula, ice cream and yogurts.
The a2 Milk Company founded in New Zealand in 2000, is the first and only company worldwide producing a2 Milk™ and sells mostly in Australia, New Zealand, China, United States and the United Kingdom. “Originally all cows’ milk only contained the A2 protein type and no A1 protein type. That’s why we say a2 Milk™ is the original milk”, says the company on its website.
According to a2 Milk Company, the percentage of the A1 and A2 beta-casein protein varies between herds, countries and provinces. African and Asian cattle are known to continue to naturally produce only A2 beta-casein, whilst herds in Europe (excluding France), USA, Australia and New Zealand produce the A1 beta-casein type in their milk.
How do you feel about your milk? Is it time to swap to a healthier alternative?
Join us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with all the latest news and events from Parents World. Share your parenting pics with us via Instagram #parentsworldsg.
This article was written for Parents World by Priyanka Elhence. Priyanka is a busy mom of 9 yr old twin boys. She writes on anything from lifestyle and dining to parenting and celebrity profiles.
You may also like
White Room Studio: Best Photo Studio for Family Portraits
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 25, 2023
White Room Studio - an iconic photography destination in Singapore It’s all in the moment, and White Room Studio is...
Read More
7 Antenatal Classes in Singapore to Support Your Parenthood Journey
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 20, 2023
Are you expecting a baby soon and stressed about taking care of your newborn? Fret not, many antenatal classes in...
Read More
Financial Readiness for your Baby’s Arrival, Part 1: Costs to Budget in, from Pregnancy to Childbirth & Beyond
Puja Chandra
/ Sep 4, 2023
Preparing for the arrival of your baby is not just about the physical aspects of pregnancy or the emotional rollercoaster...
Read More
World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Personal Reflections and Insights
Puja Chandra
/ Aug 15, 2023
My Breastfeeding Story Considering that my children are now in their teens and tweens, my breastfeeding story seems to have...
Read More
Celebrating 3 Exciting Singapore Brands Ahead of National Day!
Adelynn Liew
/ Aug 3, 2023
Singapore’s 58th birthday is just a few days away! In the spirit of National Day, let us come together to...
Read More
Recommended for you
White Room Studio: Best Photo Studio for Family Portraits
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 25, 2023
White Room Studio - an iconic photography destination in Singapore It’s all in the moment, and White Room Studio is...
Read More
A Solution for Postpartum Recovery: Lazywaist Closes the Gap in Postpartum Care
Adelynn Liew
/ Sep 20, 2023
Postpartum recovery spans a year, with the initial six months being particularly vital. While aesthetics is the keymotivation for many,...
Read More
PacificLight Unveils 2023 Crea8 Sustainability Exhibition at Singapore Discovery Centre
Adelynn Liew
/ Sep 20, 2023
The 2023 Crea8 Sustainability Competition showcase at the X-Lab, Permanent Exhibition Gallery Sandbox at the Singapore Discovery Centre. PacificLight, a...
Read More
7 Antenatal Classes in Singapore to Support Your Parenthood Journey
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 20, 2023
Are you expecting a baby soon and stressed about taking care of your newborn? Fret not, many antenatal classes in...
Read More
BUZUD Launches in Guardian Health and Beauty Stores Singapore
Adelynn Liew
/ Sep 16, 2023
BUZUD REimagined Healthcare, a Singapore-based medical device company aiming to provide innovative home healthcare equipment is on shelves at Guardian...
Read More
Buckle Up Your Seatbelt as Tayo Station Reopens in Singapore!
Puja Chandra
/ Sep 16, 2023
Tayo Station, Singapore’s beloved children’s indoor theme playground in the East has re-opened on 6th Sep 2023 with a suite...
Read More
International Schools in Singapore offering IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) & Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 15, 2023
Different International schools in Singapore offer different curricula based on their pedagogy. The most common ones are International Baccalaureate (IB),...
Read More
Selection of the 5 Finest Mooncakes to Indulge in the Upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival!
Adelynn Liew
/ Sep 12, 2023
Exciting family gatherings, indulging in mooncakes, gazing at the full moon, and lighting up lanterns while carrying them under the...
Read More
Irresistible Offers by PURE Group Fitness & Yoga Centre – Don’t Miss their Open House
Reecha Kumar
/ Sep 6, 2023
Looking to revitalise your fitness routine or discover a new world of yoga and wellness? PURE Group Singapore is gearing...
Read More
Financial Readiness for your Baby’s Arrival, Part 1: Costs to Budget in, from Pregnancy to Childbirth & Beyond
Puja Chandra
/ Sep 4, 2023
Preparing for the arrival of your baby is not just about the physical aspects of pregnancy or the emotional rollercoaster...
Read More
Lumiere Montessori House – “Best in Holistic Education”
Puja Chandra
/ Sep 4, 2023
Lumiere Montessori House: Your Child’s Home Away from Home! BEST FOR Established in 2007, Lumiere Montessori House is an independent...
Read More
Tips for Ensuring Good Dental Hygiene in Young Children
Adelynn Liew
/ Sep 2, 2023
Good oral hygiene plays a crucial role in your child’s overall well-being. Conversely, neglecting oral health can lead to issues...
Read More
myFirst launches the World’s First Kids’ Social Circle and the World’s First Kids’ Safety TWS Earbuds
Puja Chandra
/ Aug 31, 2023
myFirst Carebuds and Wearable Smartphone with myFirst Circle myFirst, the Singapore based tech brand for kids, has just launched the...
Read More
Thomson Medical Centre- “Best Private Hospital for Maternity Care”
Reecha Kumar
/ Aug 30, 2023
It's the sixth time in a row! Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) has been a serial winner of the Best Private...
Read More
Create Priceless Memories with Peppa Pig!
Adelynn Liew
/ Aug 28, 2023
Get ready for an oinktastic journey with Peppa Pig and her pals! Introducing Peppa's Cruise Ship, Peppa's Waterpark Playset, and...
Read More
Thomson Medical Centre: Best Confinement Food Home Delivery Service
Puja Chandra
/ Aug 25, 2023
Thomson Nutri: “Food for a Well-Nourished Motherhood” Thomson Nutri’s Nutritious Confinement Meal A forerunner in the field of childbirth...
Read More
AN EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITION – ‘NOW IS NOT THE TIME’ CELEBRATES LEE KUAN YEW’S LIFE AND LEGACY ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Reecha Kumar
/ Aug 24, 2023
Singapore’s beloved, first and longest-serving prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, would have turned 100 on 16th September 2023. To commemorate...
Read More
Bumble Bee Child Care Centre – “Best in Implementing Thematic Approach”
Adelynn Liew
/ Aug 23, 2023
Unlock every child’s potential through an impeccable thematic curriculum BEST FOR Bumble Bee Child Care Centre is the ideal choice...
Read More
Five Best Baby Stroller Brands in Singapore – Here is our Pick!
Reecha Kumar
/ Aug 22, 2023
Looking for the perfect stroller for your baby? Choosing the best baby stroller in Singapore needs knowledge of brands and...
Read More
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore to Explore For Upcoming School Holidays
Reecha Kumar
/ Aug 17, 2023
Eating is the favourite pastime of Singaporeans. And why not, the little red dot is full of options that satisfy...
Read More