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?
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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.
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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 