A1 vs A2 Milk/Ghee

Rainmatter Health
1

There is a lot of talk around A1/A2 milk and ghee. I wanted to get the most basic understanding to tell my elderly parents what each of it is and how they can make their choice. Here’s my attempt:

What is A1 and A2 milk?

  • A1 Milk: Comes from cows that produce milk with A1 beta-casein protein. In India, the cows that produce A1 milk are typically non-indigenous or crossbred varieties. These cows are often bred for higher milk production and have genetic profiles similar to western commercial dairy breeds like Holstein and Jersey. You don’t have to bother much about these breed types. But these are mostly the common commercial breeds.

  • A2 Milk: Comes from cows that produce milk with A2 beta-casein protein. A2 milk is primarily produced by indigenous cow breeds that have not been crossbred with foreign varieties like Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi .

Now you may also want to know what is Beta-casein?
Beta-Casein is one of the major proteins found in cow’s milk, making up about 30% of the protein content. Beta-casein comes in two main types: A1 and A2.

The difference between A1 & A2 Beta-casein is in the digestion process. That’s all you should know as a lay person. When A1 beta-casein is digested, it releases a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). This peptide is the key difference between A1 and A2.

So what’s the differences between A1 and A2 Milk

Protein Composition: Like i mentioned earlier, the main difference lies in the type of beta-casein protein they contain. A1 milk contains A1 beta-casein, while A2 milk contains A2 beta-casein.

Digestibility: Some studies suggest that A2 milk is easier to digest and may cause less discomfort for people who are sensitive to dairy. A1 milk, on the other hand, may release a peptide called BCM-7 during digestion, which is linked to discomfort and some health issues in sensitive individuals.

Now you may ask, which is better?

The scientific community is divided on the health impacts of A1 & A2 beta-casein. Some studies have shown associations between A1 milk consumption and health issues, while others have found no significant difference. A2 beta-casein is generally regarded as having fewer potential risks compared to A1 but the scientific community continues to study these claims. Some research supports the idea that A2 milk is better tolerated by people with milk sensitivities but more extensive studies are needed here.

Some people prefer A2 milk because they may have some intolerance to dairy products or digestive issues. But know that both A1 and A2 milk contain essential nutrients like calcium and protein.
Some people find A2 milk to have a creamier and richer taste compared to A1 milk.

So, if A2 is preferred, it must be costlier. Yes it is costlier because. A2 milk comes from specific breeds of cows compared to commercial breeds. Indigenous breeds that produce A2 milk also require different farming practices and are more labor-intensive.

Why Do These Categories Exist?

One reason is over marketing by companies to stand out amongst competition but also research interests in the space that is trying to find health issues and impacts of milk consumption. As a result, A2 milk is marketed as a healthier alternative, especially by the wellness and health-conscious consumer segment.

In India, there is a preference for traditional and natural products, which also led to increased interest in milk from indigenous breeds,

So, what about Ghee. A1 vs A2?

The difference is in the type of milk used (A1 or A2) carry over to the ghee made from them. A2 ghee is often marketed as more natural and beneficial.

Just like milk, A2 ghee is more expensive due to the same reasons—rarity, specific cow breeds, and perceived health benefits.

In summary, see what works for you. Both on your health and pocket :slight_smile:

2 Likes
2

AK post from 2017.

There have been some questions on A1 and A2 milk. Trying to clarify based on the information we have access to.
What is A1 and A2 Milk?

Cow milk contains (approximate quantities) three main components. 87% water and 13% solids. Out of 13% solids, 4.5% is fat and 8.5% snf/proteins.
Out of 8.5% proteins, casein is the largest group of proteins in milk, making up about 80% of the total protein content.
There are several types of casein in milk, and beta-casein is the second most common. Beta-casein exists in at least 13 different forms

The two most common forms of beta-casein are:

  • A1 beta-casein
  • A2 beta-casein

Regular milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein, but A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein.

A2 Milk, only certain breeds produce this?

No, there is no evidence to show that only certain breeds can produce A2 Milk. Regular milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein. It has been noticed with studies that certain regions (based on climate) do influence production of A2 only milk, for example (based on European Studies), Milk that is high in A2 beta-casein is mainly found in breeds that originated in the Channel Islands and Southern France. This includes cow breeds like the Guernsey, Jersey, Charolais and Limousin

A2 Only Milk producing cows?

To segregate the cows with A2 only milk production, cows need to be tested for their genes to check if proline gene sequence at position 67 is replaced by histidine, and further breeding of the cows needs to be controlled with mating with only the A2 bulls.

Above is not done in India. A2 Corporation in New Zealand is doing this with Jersey and Holstein cows.

Do cows with humps produce A2 only Milk?

Hump in a cow is an indication of the climate the cows exists and enabling them to have a better breathing space in tropical and subtropical climates. For example cows in Africa, India, Pakistan, Parts of North America, Parts of South America, and Parts of Australia do have cows with humps.

As indicated earlier, regular milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein, there is no evidence to show that only cows with humps can only produce A2 Milk.

3

Indian households, especially outside metro cities are habituated to buffalo milk consumption. And how does that stand against these variants of cow milk?

4

I read this somewhere.
While the theories hold true for milk, it doesnt apply for ghee. As ghee is 100% fat and has no protein in it, Both A1 and A2 Ghee are literally same and there is no actual benefit?

Is that true?

1 Like
5

I have had both. I did not notice any difference in digestion because Ghee is mostly fat and some milk solids. A2 Ghee tastes much better though maybe because it is made in small batches.

1 Like
6

Which milk is better? That’s the million-dollar question, and everyone seems to have their own take, often supported by scientific studies. Nowadays, some even argue that plant-based milk like almond milk is healthier than traditional animal milk. It feels like a never-ending debate!

Growing up, the choice was between buffalo milk and cow’s milk. I wasn’t a fan of milk, but skipping it was never an option—it usually meant a good scolding!

The truth is, choosing your milk based on your habitat and body type is the most sustainable approach. For instance, yak milk suits people living in the Himalayas, camel milk benefits those in Rajasthan, and goat or buffalo milk might be better for others.

The key is to follow the laws of nature and choose what aligns best with your environment and unique body needs